The Federal Government of Nigeria has rolled out a monthly grant of ₦45,000 for students enrolled in technical colleges across the nation. This bold move is part of a comprehensive national effort to rejuvenate the country’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system, which has suffered decades of neglect.

The announcement was made by Professor Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), during a recent interview in Abuja with the News Agency of Nigeria. The disclosure comes as part of the government’s review of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration at the two-year mark.

According to Prof. Bugaje, this financial incentive is expected to significantly enhance enrollment in technical colleges, attract more Nigerian youths to vocational paths, and reposition TVET as a viable alternative to traditional university education.

Revitalizing Technical Education for a Skilled Future

The ₦45,000 monthly stipend represents a paradigm shift in Nigeria’s approach to vocational training. Historically, TVET institutions received considerable attention during the colonial era and the early years of independence. However, the sector later witnessed a steady decline, resulting in dwindling student enrollment and a diminishing number of institutions.

Bugaje emphasized that the government is now deliberately breathing new life into this neglected sector. “What we are witnessing now is either a resurrection or a rebirth of TVET in Nigeria,” he said. “This new direction will make technical colleges more appealing to young Nigerians, helping them obtain skills that are relevant both locally and internationally.”

The NBTE boss explained that the grant is part of a larger framework designed to transform vocational education from a last resort into a primary educational pathway. He highlighted the importance of skill acquisition in tackling unemployment and positioning Nigerian youths for meaningful roles in the labor market.

Beyond the Monthly Grant: A Multi-Layered Support Framework

While the ₦45,000 stipend is a major component of the initiative, it is not the only support mechanism being introduced. Prof. Bugaje detailed several additional measures aimed at reinforcing the learning experience in technical colleges and easing the financial burden on students.

According to him, the federal government will also:

• Fully fund tuition fees for technical college students

• Pay stipends to industry supervisors, known as “master class” instructors, who mentor students during industrial training

• Cover the costs associated with skill certification and qualification testing for students

All these steps are geared toward creating a comprehensive and supportive environment for learners, ensuring that financial limitations do not stand in the way of skill development and career readiness.

Backed by a ₦120 Billion Grant Through NELFUND

To fund this nationwide reform of vocational education, the Tinubu administration has allocated a significant ₦120 billion grant for the TVET transformation program. This funding will be administered through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), a government-backed financial vehicle designed to support educational advancement.

Crucially, Prof. Bugaje clarified that the ₦45,000 monthly stipend is not a loan but a grant, meaning that beneficiaries are not required to repay the amount.

“We want to change the mindset about technical education,” he said. “This is a grant. Students who benefit from this program owe nothing. Our focus is to encourage more Nigerians to choose skill-based education and help them secure gainful employment upon graduation.”

Legislative Push for Long-Term Sustainability

As part of the effort to ensure the program’s continuity beyond the current administration, the Ministry of Education is championing the creation of a National Skills Fund. This fund will be established through proposed legislation aimed at institutionalizing the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).

According to Bugaje, the framework and its accompanying fund will ensure consistent financing of vocational institutions—not just those run by the federal government but also private TVET providers.

“The idea of a National Skills Fund is not new. It has been discussed for years, but the present Minister of Education has now prioritized it,” Bugaje noted. “Once the proposed bill is passed by the National Assembly, this fund will serve as a permanent resource pool to sustain TVET institutions across the board.”

Addressing a Lopsided Educational System

Bugaje lamented the vast disparity between the number of technical colleges and senior secondary schools in Nigeria. Currently, the country has just 129 technical colleges, compared to over 15,000 conventional secondary schools. This gap, he argued, reflects the historic neglect of vocational education and the overemphasis on academic credentials over practical skills.

“From the 1980s onward, we watched the technical education system decline. This imbalance has pushed many young Nigerians toward universities that do not necessarily prepare them for the realities of the labor market,” he said.

The NBTE chief stressed the importance of reversing this trend by making technical education more accessible, better funded, and more respected in society.

Aligning with Global Best Practices and Partnerships

Earlier this year, the federal government took additional steps to strengthen TVET through international collaboration. Nigeria signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chinese government to enhance technical and vocational training through knowledge exchange, curriculum development, and equipment support.

This partnership aims to boost the quality of Nigeria’s vocational education, with a focus on hands-on learning and industry-relevant skills. The TVET curriculum has also been restructured, with 80% now dedicated to practical training and just 20% to theoretical knowledge. This strategic shift is intended to align Nigeria’s vocational education with global best practices and prepare graduates to meet the demands of modern industries.

Creating Pathways to Employment and Economic Growth

The government’s intensified focus on TVET reflects a broader vision to reduce youth unemployment, promote entrepreneurship, and diversify the economy. By equipping students with marketable skills, the administration hopes to unlock new economic opportunities and develop a workforce that can compete globally.

Prof. Bugaje concluded by stressing that the long-term success of this initiative depends on societal acceptance and a shift in how Nigerians perceive technical education.

“Vocational training is not a dead end—it is the key to unlocking self-reliance, job creation, and national productivity,” he said. “We are committed to changing the narrative and ensuring that technical education becomes a first-choice option for Nigeria’s youth.”