FG to Train One Million Nigerian Youths Under TVET to Promote Entrepreneurship and National Development

Government Launches Large-Scale Skills Programme to Tackle Unemployment and Build a Self-Reliant Workforce

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a major nationwide skills empowerment programme designed to train one million young Nigerians under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative.

The initiative, unveiled by the Minister of Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu Alausa, aims to equip participants with practical, hands-on skills that will enable them to become self-reliant entrepreneurs capable of contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth and national development.

Empowering Youths Through Skills and Innovation

Dr. Alausa explained that the TVET programme is part of the Federal Government’s broader “Renewed Hope” agenda, which seeks to reduce unemployment by encouraging youth entrepreneurship.

According to the Minister, the training will focus on practical vocational disciplines such as electrical installation, fashion design, welding, catering, plumbing, agriculture, information technology, and phone repairs.

He emphasised that 90 percent of the training will be practical, while only 10 percent will focus on theoretical knowledge. “We want our young people to acquire real, usable skills that can earn them income and enable them to become employers of labour,” he said.

Nationwide Reach and Transparent Selection Process

The programme, which will be implemented in collaboration with accredited training centres across the country, will cover all six geopolitical zones.

To ensure transparency and accountability, the selection process was digitised — requiring applicants to verify their identities using National Identification Numbers (NIN) and Bank Verification Numbers (BVN).

So far, over 1.3 million applications have been received, out of which nearly one million candidates have been verified and cleared to participate in the first phase of the training.

Financial Support and Post-Training Opportunities

Each trainee will receive a monthly stipend to support transportation and feeding during the training period. In addition, the government plans to provide starter packs and access to low-interest loans through the Bank of Industry (BOI) to enable graduates to establish or expand their businesses.

Dr. Alausa added that the Federal Government has also approved a 5 percent allocation from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) budget to support ongoing TVET development and infrastructure across training institutions nationwide.

Driving Sustainable National Development

Experts have welcomed the initiative as a strategic step toward tackling youth unemployment, reducing poverty, and strengthening Nigeria’s economic resilience.

By focusing on skill acquisition and entrepreneurship, the programme is expected to create a new generation of young business owners who can generate jobs for others and promote local innovation.

Economic analysts also noted that vocational training is a key driver of sustainable growth, especially in developing economies where formal employment opportunities are limited.

A Call to Action for Nigerian Youths

The Ministry of Education has encouraged young Nigerians to take advantage of the TVET opportunity, stressing that skills acquisition remains one of the most reliable pathways to financial independence.

Interested applicants are advised to stay updated through official government channels for further information on enrolment and training schedules.

Conclusion

The Federal Government’s plan to train one million youths through TVET reflects a clear commitment to empowering the nation’s workforce, creating new jobs, and fostering entrepreneurship.

If effectively implemented, the programme could significantly reduce unemployment rates and position Nigeria as a hub for skilled talent in Africa — driving progress toward a more productive and self-sufficient economy.

Source: Federal Ministry of Education, Nigeria