On April 13, 2026, at 4:00 PM WAT, the Federal Government of Nigeria opened applications for the second cohort of its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme. This initiative is designed to enhance skills acquisition and employment opportunities across various sectors in the country.
Participants in the programme will receive a monthly stipend of N22,500 during their training. The TVET programme offers fully funded training in multiple vocational and technical fields, including electrical installation, welding and fabrication, digital media, automobile repairs, fashion design, agriculture, and renewable energy.
The training structure includes a six-month Short-Term Certificate programme and a one-year Vocational Education and Innovation track. Applicants are required to provide a valid National Identification Number and Bank Verification Number to be considered for the programme.
In a statement, Tunji Alausa, a representative of the Federal Government, remarked, “Today marks the opening of applications for the second cohort of our National TVET Programme, a key step in advancing human capital development.” He further encouraged Nigerians, stating, “We are calling on every Nigerian, young or old, who has a dream, a vision for a better life, and a hardworking spirit to sign up. With TVET, you can build your own future.”
The programme is part of the administration’s broader human capital development drive, which aims to invest in the productive capacity of the youth. Maruf Tunji Alausa emphasized that by providing practical training and recognized certification, the government is creating pathways for self-employment, innovation, and long-term economic growth.
Training will focus on high-demand sectors, including construction, ICT, automotive technology, and creative media. The Federal Ministry of Education will collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism to enhance training in creative and cultural trades.
During the first phase of the programme, over 1.3 million applications were received, highlighting the significant interest in vocational training among Nigerians. The TVET curriculum is designed with a strong emphasis on practical training, with 80% dedicated to hands-on experience and 20% covering classroom theory.
In December 2025, the Federal Government released N4.7 billion as the first tranche of payments to trainees and accredited centres under the TVET skills development programme, marking a commitment to the initiative’s success.
As the application period opens, the government aims to further unlock the potential of Nigeria’s workforce, expanding employment opportunities for young people and contributing to the nation’s economic growth.