The Federal Government has thrown open applications for the second cohort of its National Technical and Vocational Education and Training programme, inviting Nigerians of all ages to sign up for fully funded skills training designed to boost employment, reduce poverty and strengthen the country's human capital base.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the opening of the application portal on Monday in a post on his X account, describing the initiative as a critical pillar of the Tinubu administration's broader drive to build a more productive and self-reliant workforce. He pointed to the overwhelming response that greeted the first phase of the programme as evidence of the deep hunger among Nigerians for practical skills development opportunities. "Last year, over 1.3 million Nigerians applied, a powerful reminder of the growing demand for practical skills and the impact they can have on people's lives and our economy," Alausa said.
Applications opened on April 13, 2026, and the minister called on Nigerians regardless of their educational background or age to take advantage of what he described as a rare opportunity to build a better future through vocational training. "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," he said.
The programme is structured around two distinct training tracks, catering for different levels of prior knowledge and experience. The first is a six-month Short-Term Certificate programme targeted at beginners with little or no background in vocational training, while the second is a one-year Vocational Education and Innovation track designed for individuals who already possess some level of prior learning or informal experience in a trade or technical field. Entry requirements for both tracks include a valid National Identification Number and Bank Verification Number, with the more advanced track also accepting proof of prior learning or basic educational qualifications.
Participants enrolled in the programme will benefit from free tuition fully funded by the Federal Government, monthly stipends to support them during training, hands-on practical instruction at accredited training centres, and nationally recognised certification upon graduation. Beyond training, the programme also offers start-up support and access to business loans intended to help graduates launch enterprises in their chosen vocational fields and translate their new skills into sustainable livelihoods.
The range of fields covered by the programme is broad and deliberately targeted at sectors with high employment potential, including electrical installation, welding and fabrication, digital media, automobile repairs, fashion design, agriculture and renewable energy, among several others. Training will be delivered at centres spread across all six geopolitical zones of the country, with federal and state technical colleges as well as accredited private institutions serving as delivery points to ensure that Nigerians from different parts of the country can participate without the burden of long-distance travel.
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