In a bold move to revive Nigeria’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, the Federal Government has announced a monthly stipend of ₦45,000 for students enrolled in technical colleges across the country. This initiative aims to make technical education more attractive, expand enrollment, and empower youth with marketable skills.
The announcement was made by Professor Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. This forms part of the second-year performance review of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“With this support, more young Nigerians will be encouraged to enroll in technical colleges, gain valuable skills, and secure employment both locally and internationally,” Prof. Bugaje stated.
Reviving a Neglected Sector
Bugaje lamented the decades-long decline of technical education in Nigeria, noting that the sector, once vibrant during colonial and early post-independence periods, has since suffered from severe underfunding and neglect.
“We currently have only 129 technical colleges nationwide, compared to over 15,000 senior secondary schools,” he revealed.
The stipend initiative is one of several mechanisms designed to reposition TVET as a viable alternative to university education. In addition to the monthly grant, the government will also:
Cover students’ tuition fees
Provide stipends for industry-based instructors, known as “master class” supervisors
Finance the cost of students’ skill certification
#120 Billion Grant for Technical Skills Development
The Tinubu administration has also approved a #120 billion grant to support this national TVET revival. The funds, to be administered via the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), will be non-repayable grants, not loans.
“This is not a loan. Students benefiting from the ₦45,000 stipend are not expected to pay it back. It’s an investment in Nigeria’s youth and future workforce,” Prof. Bugaje emphasized.
Sustainable Reforms Underway
To ensure long-term success and sustainability, the Federal Ministry of Education is working on a legislative bill to establish a National Skills Fund under the proposed Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). Once enacted, the fund will provide ongoing support to both public and private TVET institutions.
Strategic Partnerships and Curriculum Reform
The government’s commitment to TVET includes:
A new curriculum structure with 80% practical training and 20% theoretical learning
A strategic partnership with China, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to enhance vocational training and provide cutting-edge technical expertise
Conclusion
This sweeping reform of the TVET sector is part of President Tinubu’s broader strategy to tackle unemployment, reduce dependency on traditional academic pathways, and equip Nigerian youth with the skills needed to thrive in today’s competitive global economy.
Credit: Nairametrics
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