FG: We received 95,000 applications within one week of relaunching TVET

The federal government says it has received 95,000 applications within one week of relaunching its technical and vocational education/training (TVET) initiative. 

Tunji Alausa, the minister of education, said the feat is a potential repositioning of technical education for economic transformation.

The federal government relaunched its TVET programme on May 30 at a ceremony in Abuja.

Alausa said TVET is a pivotal project in the government’s efforts to “equip millions of young Nigerians with practical, industry-relevant skills to drive national development”.

In a recent statement via X, Aluasa said the programme has received over 95,000 applications since relaunching.

He described the development as an incredible show of interest in skills development across Nigeria.

Alausa said the ministry is thrilled by the “overwhelming response” to the TVET initiative, with the number of applications.

The minister encouraged applicants to ensure their biodata on their bank verification number (BVN) and the national identity number (NIN) correlate to avoid delays in submission.

He also affirmed that the government is working to resolve other challenges faced by unsuccessful applicants.

Applicants, the minister said,  are advised to register here.

Alausa had revealed that the initiative will be structured under three flagship programmes, including a six-month and a year-long master programme and a technical college track organised for three years for 13 to 20-year-old applicants.

“Each programme is 80% practical and 20% theoretical, with training scheduled to begin in August 2025 across Vocational Enterprise Institutes (VEls), Skills Training Centres (STCs), and Federal/State Technical Colleges,” the statement read.

“A total of 25 skill areas will be offered nationwide.”

The minister added that the programme will include a standardised skills certification (NSQ) through NABTEB and sectoral awarding bodies.

Other benefits are free education at public technical schools, monthly stipends of N22,500 for trainees, access to starter packs, and low-interest loans for entrepreneurship.

The first launch of the TVET was in the 1970s when the National Board of Technical Education was established.

The initiative, believed to be rooted in traditional pre-colonial apprenticeship, was to grow technical and vocational education in Nigeria.