TVET: 1.4m Nigerians apply within two weeks — Minister

Nearly 1.4 million Nigerians applied for the Federal Government’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme within two weeks, while about 250,000 people are currently undergoing training across the country, the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has said.
Alausa disclosed this while appearing before the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education, chaired by Fuad Laguda.
He said the programme currently operates in more than 1,200 training centres nationwide, with participants receiving a monthly stipend of ₦30,000.
According to the minister, the government also pays training centres ₦50,000 for each trainee to support programme delivery.
Alausa added that training at federal technical colleges and designated state technical colleges was free, while graduates would receive starter packs to help them establish businesses and become self-employed.
He said the high number of applications reflected growing interest in technical and vocational education among Nigerians.
The programme is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to equip citizens with practical skills and improve opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.
In his remarks, Laguda said the committee’s engagement with the minister was necessary to strengthen legislative oversight and assess the programme’s implementation.
He added that the committee would request additional documents and hold further discussions with the ministry to gain a clearer understanding of the scheme and its progress.