On May 30, 2025, the Federal Ministry of Education inaugurated its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) application portal. This marks the launch of a nationwide initiative offering free hands-on skills training, a monthly stipend of ₦45,000, and start-up support for young Nigerians, raising hopes for a more skilled workforce capable of driving economic growth and reducing unemployment.

1. Program Purpose: Tackling Nigeria’s Skills Shortage

Nigeria has grappled with a persistent shortage of skilled labor for decades. As early as 1982, the introduction of the 6–3–3–4 education system was intended to direct a significant portion of students into vocational education—30% of primary school graduates and 10% into apprenticeships or technical programs. Yet that vision was never fully realized.

More recently, TVET policy has been supported by multiple federal bodies—namely the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Labour and Employment—plus standardization through institutions like the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB).

Still, youth unemployment remains stubbornly high—over 17% in 2017, with the youth population rising sharply . Meanwhile, initiatives like N‑Power, launched in 2016, have shown limitations. Despite enrolling millions, concerns persisted about sustainability and long-term impact. Analyses highlight weak governance frameworks, inconsistent funding, and lack of continuity as persistent challenges.

The new TVET portal seeks to address these gaps by coupling structured, demand-driven training with stipends and post-training support—a model increasingly viewed as critical for vocational programs to deliver real outcomes.

2. Who Is Eligible?

This initiative is open to Nigerians of all educational levels—including job seekers, school leavers, university graduates, artisans, and even those with informal training credentials.

There are two distinct training tracks:

• Short-Term Certificate (STC): A 6-month course tailored for those with minimal or no formal education.

• Vocational Education & Innovation (VEI): A 12-month program designed for those with some education or prior informal training.

The inclusion of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows individuals with apprenticeships or informal training histories to benefit from credit and structure .

Geographical access is ensured through accredited training centers distributed across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, including federal/state technical colleges and private vocational centers.

3. What Benefits Do Applicants Receive?

Selected candidates will enjoy a comprehensive package of support designed to encourage completion and transition to self-reliance:

1. Free tuition fully funded via the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund).

2. Monthly stipend of ₦45,000 to cover living expenses—previously reported as ₦22,500 in earlier releases, but updated to ₦45,000 following official clarification.

3. Hands-on, industry-aligned training leading to recognized certification.

4. Post-training support, including job placements or among the critically important start-up kits/grants .

According to statements, the program aims to train up to 5 million young Nigerians, reflecting its ambitious scale.

4. Enrollment Numbers and Uptake

By June 3, just four days post-launch, the Ministry reported over 90,000 applications across Nigeria . This surge demonstrates high youth demand and optimism toward tangible skills-building opportunities.

5. Detailed Application Process

Step‑by‑Step:

1. Visit the official portal at tvet.education.gov.ng—note that this is the only legitimate link.

2. Click “Apply”, which redirects you to a National Identity Number (NIN) verification page.

3. Enter your NIN and date of birth, then verify your phone and email via OTP.

4. Create an account, which sends you to the candidate dashboard.

5. Choose a track: select STC (6 months) or VEI (12 months).

6. Upload documents, including:

   • NIN and Bank Verification Number (BVN)

   • Formal/informal training evidence (FSLC, apprenticeship, or community training)

   • Personal details

7. Review and Submit your application.

One post outlines that accredited VEI centers must meet strict NBTE-based standards, including instructor qualifications, workshop facilities, and a teacher-student ratio no higher than 1:40 . This underscores the program’s intent to maintain quality control.

6. Course Offerings & Trades

The training spans over 25 high-demand vocational fields, such as:

• Electrical installation, welding/fabrication, painting, tiling, bricklaying

• ICT-related skills like computer hardware, GSM repair, and digital media

• Automotive trades (auto mechanics, panel beating, CNG conversion)

• Renewable energy (solar PV installation), agriculture (livestock, beekeeping)

• Fashion, beauty therapy, plumbing, carpentry, blacksmithing, and more

These trades align with national efforts—like those championed by the Industrial Training Fund—toward evolving a demand-driven skills ecosystem, in contrast to traditional supply-led models .

7. Anchored in a Broader Strategy

This TVET program builds on earlier efforts such as:

• ITF’s nationwide vocational centers, funded through employer levies and federal budgets.

• Digital skilling efforts by NITDA, with a focus on young Nigerians in ICT training .

• Global partnerships (e.g., UNESCO) and structural alignment efforts referenced in the world TVET database, which highlight multi-sector reform.

Crucially, experts emphasize that such programs succeed best when backed by long-term strategy, governance, and private-sector engagement—areas where past initiatives faltered .

8. What Happens After Training?

• Graduates will receive nationally recognized certificates, enabling job acquisition or formal entry into entrepreneurship.

• They will also access post-training support, including job placement services and grants or kits to launch small enterprises.

• This final piece addresses a known TVET weakness: the transition from training into sustainable livelihood .

9. Tips for Success

• Apply early: high demand means early applicants stand a better chance.

• Ensure accuracy and completeness in personal data and documentation.

• Select your preferred accredited center carefully, based on trade and location.

• Retain your account credentials, as they are required for login and updates.

10. Looking Ahead: Key Impact Metrics

To fully assess the program’s success, stakeholders should monitor:

1. Completion rates—Do trainees finish the program?

2. Employment/self-employment stats—Are graduates working or running businesses?

3. Inclusion—Does the program reach rural, female, and disadvantaged youth?

4. Employer satisfaction—Do graduates meet industry needs?

5. Fiscal sustainability—Is funding consistent and well-managed?

UNESCO’s TVET principles, now several years old, highlight the importance of linking policy, inclusive access, quality assurance, and private alignment. If Nigeria’s 2025 initiative tracks these standards, it could mark a turning point.

In Summary

Nigeria’s latest TVET initiative stands out for its comprehensive structure, financial support, inclusive eligibility, and scope of training. The early response— with over 90,000 applicants in under a week—suggests significant demand among youth.

If implemented properly, it could reshape Nigeria’s vocational training landscape—addressing gaps long identified by educators, analysts, and the international community. Its long-term impact will depend on quality delivery, consistent support, and rigorous tracking. If successful, it may serve as a blueprint for other nations striving to convert their youth bulge into economic assets.