President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a substantial N120 billion investment to scale up Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) across Nigeria. The goal is to equip at least 650,000 young Nigerians with the technical, vocational, and digital skills they need to thrive in today’s evolving job market.
The announcement was made during the commissioning of a new community and education centre in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State. Minister of State for Education, Prof. Yusuf Sununu, explained that the initiative goes beyond infrastructure—it’s a bold step towards building a more skilled, self-reliant generation.
“In line with this, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved the release of N120 Billion to advance the TVET agenda of the Ministry of Education. Over the next two years, the Federal Government aims to empower at least 650,000 youths with technical, vocational and digital skills required to meet the emerging industrial and labor needs,” he stated.
This investment forms a major pillar of the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), which is focused on shifting Nigeria’s economy from a resource-based model to a knowledge-driven one. NESRI covers several key areas including TVET, STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences), tackling out-of-school children, girl-child education, digital transformation, and education quality assurance.
To encourage participation, the government plans to introduce attractive incentives like monthly stipends, starter packs, and take-off grants for beneficiaries.
Also speaking at the event, Prof. Simon Akpama, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-formal Education, highlighted the impact of the new centre. He described the curriculum as a purposeful mix of basic literacy, post-literacy, and vocational training designed to uplift underserved communities such as Ikot Abasi.
This move marks a significant leap in Nigeria’s push for inclusive education and workforce development—especially for youths often excluded from traditional academic pathways.
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