The Federal Government says graduates of its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme are receiving business starter packs costing nearly ₦1 million to help them establish businesses after training.
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television, while discussing the programme’s progress.
“We’re giving them starter packs for them to start their own businesses on their own. Starter packs that cost almost a million naira. This is no joke,” Alausa said.
He did not provide an itemised list of the equipment or materials included in the packs, explain when distribution would be completed or confirm that every trainee would receive an identical package.
Alausa said about 250,000 Nigerians were either undergoing or had undergone training at more than 1,200 centres nationwide. He said trainees receive a monthly stipend of ₦30,000.
According to him, the first cohort had about 36,000 participants, with 32,000 completing training and undergoing assessment under the National Skills Qualification (NSQ) system. He added that nearly 180,000 people were being trained in the second cohort.
The minister also claimed that about 50 per cent of trainees in the first cohort had secured jobs. He said the programme was designed to prepare participants for employment and support those seeking self-employment.
The TVET initiative also provides practical training in technical and vocational skills through approved centres nationwide, including electrical installation, welding, plumbing and solar installation, among other high-demand occupations.
Its official portal lists available training options, entry requirements and application steps. Applicants should check the website for current registration details.
How to apply
Interested Nigerians can visit the Federal Ministry of Education’s TVET portal at https://www.tvet.education.gov.ng/, create an account, select a programme, trade and training centre, and submit the required information and documents.