Nigeria’s push to build a skilled workforce is gaining momentum as the Federal Government reopens applications for the second cohort of its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme an initiative designed to equip young Nigerians with practical, job-ready skills while providing financial support.
Announced by Education Minister Tunji Alausa on April 13, 2026, the programme offers free training across multiple sectors, alongside a monthly stipend of ₦22,500 and a nationally recognised certificate upon completion.
The initiative reflects a broader strategy to address unemployment by prioritizing hands-on skills over purely academic pathways. Participants can choose between six-month and one-year training tracks, translating to total earnings of up to ₦135,000 and ₦270,000 respectively.
Training is delivered through accredited centres nationwide, covering high-demand sectors such as ICT, construction, automotive technology, agriculture, fashion, hospitality, cosmetology, and creative media. In a nod to Nigeria’s expanding creative economy, the programme also integrates cultural and artistic trades in collaboration with the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism.
What sets the TVET programme apart is its practical orientation. The curriculum is structured with 80% hands-on training and only 20% classroom instruction, ensuring participants graduate with immediately applicable skills. Beyond technical training, participants are paired with experienced artisans and mentors across upgraded technical colleges, strengthening real-world exposure.
The government has also embedded accountability into the system. Attendance is monitored through biometric verification, and stipend payments are tied directly to participation making consistency a requirement, not an option.
How To Apply for TVET Cohort 2
Applications are processed exclusively through the official portal: TVET Application Portal.
To apply, prospective candidates must first ensure they have two critical requirements: a National Identification Number (NIN) and a Bank Verification Number (BVN). These are mandatory for registration and payment processing.
Applicants can then proceed to create an account, select their preferred skill area and training duration, and submit their application online. While no official deadline has been announced, early application is strongly advised given the overwhelming demand recorded in the first cohort, which attracted over 90,000 applicants within its first week.
Participation requires full-time commitment throughout the training period, as part-time engagement is not permitted.
The growing interest in the programme underscores a shift in how young Nigerians are approaching career development moving toward skills-based pathways that offer faster routes to employment and entrepreneurship.
With billions already committed to funding and a rapidly expanding applicant pool, the TVET programme is shaping up to be a cornerstone of Nigeria’s workforce development strategy offering not just training, but a tangible bridge to economic opportunity.
