In a major move to combat youth unemployment and energize Nigeria’s industrial growth, the Federal Government has unveiled a reformed Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme under the theme “Advancing Skills and Empowering the Future.” The initiative was launched at a high-level event in Abuja and is a core component of the government’s broader education and economic strategy.
At the unveiling, Nigeria’s Minister of Education stressed the country’s most valuable asset is not its natural resources, but the creativity and potential of its people. With over 70 percent of the population under 30, the initiative aims to turn this youthful demographic into a skilled, productive workforce. The revamped TVET structure introduces three training pathways tailored to different age groups and time commitments: the one-year Master 12, the six-month Master 6, and a three-year Technical College Track targeting youths aged 13 to 20. All programmes require a National Identification Number (NIN) and will begin in August 2025.
According to the Minister of State for Education, the programme is more than just a new curriculum—it’s a gateway to national transformation. She emphasized its alignment with the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reaffirmed the government’s pledge to inclusive, accessible education.
The new TVET model will be delivered across 25 priority skill areas through Vocational Enterprise Institutes (VEIs), Skills Training Centres (STCs), and public technical colleges nationwide. Training will be 80 percent practical and 20 percent theoretical, reflecting a deliberate shift toward real-world, industry-relevant learning.
Participants in public technical institutions will receive free training, a monthly stipend of N22,500, starter packs, and access to low-interest loans designed to support entrepreneurship. Graduates will obtain standardized certifications under the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) and other awarding bodies regulated by the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).
The Minister of Education noted that the goal isn’t just to produce graduates, but to build a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of local industries. He called for strong partnerships with the private sector, state governments, and development agencies to ensure the initiative succeeds.
In addition to the core TVET launch, a preview of the upcoming Luminah 2030 programme was shared, which will train one million women and girls in vocational skills, further promoting gender-inclusive growth. The Federal Ministry of Education’s Permanent Secretary highlighted the initiative’s alignment with economic transformation goals and committed to robust implementation supported by data and planning.
Other key officials in attendance, including the Ministers of Youth Development and Labour and Employment, praised the programme’s focus on job creation through practical skills. The Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) also emphasized the integration of global standards in the new framework, ensuring that skills are recognized and certified regardless of where they are acquired.
Despite enthusiasm, stakeholders raised concerns about equitable access, especially in rural and underserved communities. The Ministry responded with assurances of an inclusive, data-led strategy to ensure participation from all 36 states and the FCT, with designated training centres across the country.
The event concluded with the official launch of the TVET registration portal (TVET.education.gov.ng), as well as symbolic demonstrations including a flag-hoisting and distribution of skill kits. Stakeholders, including NELFUND, NABTEB, and private sector partners, pledged to work collectively toward training five million Nigerian youths by 2030.
With a clear departure from certificate-driven education to skill-based development, the launch of the TVET programme could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s efforts to equip its youth with the tools to drive innovation, self-reliance, and national growth.
