How to apply for FG’s ₦25k/month technical and vocational training programme

The Federal Government has opened applications for the second cohort of its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Programme, offering Nigerian youth free skills training, a monthly stipend, and a nationally recognised certificate upon completion.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the opening of applications on Monday, April 13, 2026, inviting interested Nigerians to enrol in the nationwide programme through the official TVET portal at www.tvet.education.gov.ng.

“In strengthening this programme, the Federal Government is investing in the productive capacity of our youth,” Alausa said. “By providing practical training and recognised certification, we are creating pathways for self-employment, innovation, and long-term economic growth.”

The programme offers intensive training in accredited centres across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Participants can choose between a six-month or one-year training track, depending on the skill area.

Throughout the training period, every accepted applicant will receive a N22,500 monthly stipend, meaning a six-month participant can earn up to N135,000. In contrast, a full one-year participant takes home N270,000 over the course of the programme.

Training covers a wide range of sectors, including construction, information and communication technology, automotive technology, creative media, agriculture, fashion and garment production, cosmetology, tourism and hospitality, catering services, and leather works.

The Federal Ministry of Education will also collaborate with the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism to include training in creative and cultural trades, a move aimed at tapping into Nigeria’s growing creative economy.

The curriculum is structured so that 80% of training is hands-on and practical, with only 20% spent in a classroom. The idea is that graduates leave with skills they can immediately use to find work, start a business, or operate independently as artisans and craftspeople.

What participants will gain from the programme

Beyond the monthly stipend, participants who complete the programme receive a nationally recognised certification. This credential carries weight with employers and can serve as the foundation for further professional development.

The programme also connects trainees with experienced artisans and craftsmen through a mentorship model introduced across 38 upgraded technical colleges.

Attendance is taken seriously. The government uses biometric verification to track participation, and stipends are only paid to trainees who meet the programme’s attendance requirements. This means showing up consistently is not just encouraged, it is a condition for receiving payment.

How to apply for the TVET cohort 2 programme

Applying is straightforward, but there are a few things to have ready before you begin.

First, visit the official TVET portal at www.tvet.education.gov.ng. This is the only approved channel for applications, no third-party websites or agents are required.

Before starting your application, make sure you have your National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) available. Both are required during the registration process, so do not begin without them.

To register, go to the portal and complete the registration process. Choose your desired skill and training length, then submit your application. The application period begins on Monday, April 13, 2026.

The ministry hasn’t announced a deadline yet. However, because the first group had more than 90,000 applications in the first week, we recommend applying soon. Applicants must be available for full participation throughout their selected training track. Part-time attendance is not permissible.

The TVET programme is not new, but the second cohort builds on significant momentum. When the first cohort’s portal launched in 2025, it received more than 90,000 applications within a week. The entrance examination that followed saw participation jump from 7,547 candidates in 2024 to 30,000 in 2025, a nearly 300% increase.

In December 2025, the government released N4.7 billion as the first tranche of payments to trainees and accredited training centres, signalling that the programme is being backed with real funding.

For young Nigerians looking for a structured, government-backed pathway into a trade or technical career, with a stipend to support them while they train, the window is now open.

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