Apply Now: FG TVET Program for Nigerians | ₦ 22,500 Monthly
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially opened applications for the second phase of its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Programme. The announcement was made on Monday, April 13, 2026, by the Federal Ministry of Education through a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo. The news has been welcomed by thousands of Nigerians who missed the first cohort or are looking for a fresh opportunity to acquire government-funded vocational skills.
If you are a young Nigerian, a school leaver, an unemployed graduate, or an adult who wants to learn a new trade and earn a stipend while doing so, this programme is designed for you. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the TVET Programme second phase, including what the programme is, how it started, what it offers, who can apply, the available training tracks, the courses covered, how to submit your application, and practical tips to improve your chances of selection.
What Is the FG TVET Program?
The Technical and Vocational Education and Training Programme, shortened as TVET, is a flagship skills development initiative launched by the Federal Ministry of Education under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The programme was created to address one of Nigeria’s most persistent challenges: the wide gap between the number of people entering the job market each year and the number of jobs available in the formal economy.
Rather than focusing on white-collar academic routes, TVET takes a direct approach by training Nigerians in practical, industry-relevant skills across a broad range of vocational trades. The idea is simple: if you can weld, fix cars, install solar panels, design clothes, grow food, build structures, or repair computers, you can earn a living. You do not need a university degree to be productive, self-sufficient, or even wealthy. TVET is built on that belief.
The programme is administered by the Federal Ministry of Education in partnership with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and operates through a nationwide network of accredited training centres that includes federal technical colleges, state-owned institutions, and approved private vocational centres. The curriculum follows the National Skills Qualifications (NSQ) framework, ensuring that the certification issued to graduates meets national and industry standards.
Training under TVET is structured so that 80 percent of the learning is practical and hands-on, while only 20 percent involves classroom theory. This ratio reflects the programme’s core philosophy that real skill comes from doing, not just reading.
How the First Phase of TVET Performed
Before diving into the details of the second phase, it is important to understand what happened during the first cohort, because the first phase is what gave the government the confidence to launch this second round and what gives potential applicants a reason to trust that this programme delivers.
When the TVET portal went live for Cohort 1, the response from Nigerians was extraordinary. Within just one week of the portal opening, the Federal Ministry of Education received more than 90,000 applications. By the time the first cohort was fully closed, a total of over 1.3 million applications had been received nationwide. That number tells you how much Nigerians have been waiting for an opportunity exactly like this.
The entrance examination for TVET, conducted in June, showed similar momentum. The number of candidates sitting for the exam jumped from 7,547 in 2024 to 30,000 in 2025, representing a growth of nearly 300 percent in a single year.
The programme did not just attract applicants. It also delivered on its promises. In December 2025, the Federal Government disbursed N4.7 billion as the first tranche of payments to trainees and accredited training centres across Nigeria. Over 42,227 fully registered trainees received their monthly stipend of N22,500, covering transportation and basic upkeep. More than 600 independent training centres also received payments for the instructional and skills training they provided to enrolled students.
An artisan-led mentorship model was introduced across 38 upgraded technical colleges during the first phase. Under this arrangement, experienced craftsmen and artisans were assigned to guide and mentor trainees in specific trades, passing on real-world knowledge and professional experience that goes far beyond what any classroom curriculum can deliver.
These achievements are not just statistics. They represent tens of thousands of young Nigerians who are now in training, earning a stipend, and building practical skills that will change the trajectory of their lives.
Why FG Opened the Second Phase
The opening of the second cohort is a direct response to the overwhelming demand from the first phase. Minister of Education Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, who made the announcement on his official X handle on April 13, 2026, described the second cohort as a key step in advancing human capital development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In his words: “Today marks the opening of applications for the second cohort of our National TVET Programme, a key step in advancing human capital development under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.”
The minister also acknowledged the scale of public interest from the first phase and noted that the volume of applications received demonstrated the depth of the unemployment challenge in Nigeria and the appetite among citizens for skills that can translate directly into income and jobs.
Beyond responding to demand, the second phase also expands the scope of the programme. The Federal Ministry of Education is now collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism to include training in creative and cultural industries as part of the TVET curriculum. This collaboration is designed to unlock the growing potential of Nigeria’s creative economy and create employment pathways in sectors like fashion, media production, visual arts, and cultural tourism.
The second phase also continues Nigeria’s push to diversify its economy beyond oil. A skilled technical workforce is a critical ingredient in that diversification, and TVET is one of the most direct tools the government has to build that workforce at scale.
Benefits of the TVET Programme Second Phase
One of the most attractive things about the TVET Programme is that it is not just free. It is genuinely comprehensive in what it offers. Here is a full breakdown of the benefits available to successful applicants in the second cohort:
Fully Funded Tuition
The Federal Government covers all tuition costs through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund). Participants do not pay anything to enrol, to attend training sessions, or to receive their certification. There are zero training fees involved. Any agent or person who asks you to pay money in exchange for securing your TVET registration is a fraudster and should be reported immediately.
Monthly Stipend of N22,500
Every enrolled trainee receives a monthly stipend of N22,500 throughout the duration of their training. This money is designed to cover transportation and basic upkeep costs, making it possible for participants to attend training consistently without worrying about daily expenses. Stipends are paid directly to trainees through a verified payment system tied to their Bank Verification Number (BVN). Attendance is tracked using biometric verification, and only trainees who meet the attendance requirements receive their stipend each month.
Hands-On Training at Accredited Centres
Training takes place at accredited centres in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). These centres include federal and state technical colleges as well as approved private vocational institutions. The availability of training centres across every state means that most applicants can find a centre close to where they live, reducing the burden of long-distance travel.
Nationally Recognised Certification
Participants who successfully complete the programme are awarded a nationally recognised certificate that is accepted by employers and professional bodies across Nigeria. This certification is based on the NSQ framework overseen by the NBTE and validates the skills the graduate has acquired during their training. It is a credential that can open doors to employment, business registration, and further professional development.
Mentorship from Experienced Artisans
Building on what worked in the first cohort, the artisan-led mentorship model continues in the second phase. Skilled craftsmen and experienced practitioners at technical colleges guide trainees through their practical learning, sharing industry knowledge, problem-solving approaches, and trade-specific techniques that take years to develop on the job.
Post-Training Pathway Support
The TVET Programme is designed not just to train people but to launch them into productive careers. Graduates are encouraged to use their acquired skills for self-employment, entrepreneurship, or direct employment with established businesses. Many training centres also provide informal support in the form of referrals, business guidance, and access to starter networks within specific trades.
Training Tracks Available in the Second Phase
The TVET Programme second phase offers two distinct training tracks to accommodate applicants at different levels of prior experience:
Six-Month Short-Term Certificate Programme
This track is designed for complete beginners who have no prior vocational training or experience in any formal trade. It provides a focused, intensive introduction to a chosen skill over six months, combining practical workshop sessions with a small amount of classroom instruction. At the end of the six months, participants receive their nationally recognised certificate and are ready to enter the workforce or start their own micro-enterprise.
The entry requirement for this track is straightforward. All you need is a valid National Identification Number (NIN) and a Bank Verification Number (BVN). You do not need a school certificate, a university degree, or any prior academic qualification. The only thing the government is asking is that you are genuinely committed to showing up and learning.
One-Year Vocational Education and Innovation Track
The advanced track runs for a full year and is designed for individuals who already have some background in a trade, whether through informal apprenticeship, previous vocational training, or basic educational qualifications. This track goes deeper into the technical aspects of the chosen field, covering more advanced techniques, quality standards, and entrepreneurial skills.
In addition to the NIN and BVN requirement, applicants for this track are encouraged to provide proof of their prior learning, such as an apprenticeship certificate, a statement from a former employer or trainer, basic educational certificates like a school leaving result, or any relevant documentation that demonstrates existing knowledge in the trade.
Available Courses and Sectors Under TVET Cohort 2
The TVET Programme covers a wide range of high-demand vocational fields. The second phase maintains and expands the course offerings from the first cohort, with new options added in partnership with the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism. Below are the key sectors and training areas available:
Construction trades cover practical skills in carpentry, welding, plumbing, painting, tiling, and general building work. These are among the most consistently in-demand trades across Nigeria’s housing, infrastructure, and real estate sectors.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) courses include computer hardware maintenance, GSM phone repair, network system installation, and digital services. ICT skills open doors to employment in businesses, schools, government offices, and self-employment as a tech repair technician.
Automotive technology covers vehicle maintenance, automobile mechanics, fault diagnostics, and auto-electrical work. With millions of vehicles on Nigerian roads, skilled automotive technicians are in continuous demand.
Agriculture and agribusiness training includes mechanised farming, livestock production, crop processing, and related food value-chain activities. Agriculture remains one of Nigeria’s largest employers, and technical skills in this space create direct paths to rural entrepreneurship and food production.
Fashion and garment production offers training in clothing design, tailoring, pattern-making, and textile production. Nigeria’s fashion industry is one of Africa’s most vibrant, and skilled fashion practitioners have tremendous market potential both locally and internationally.
Cosmetology and beauty services cover hair styling, skincare, nail technology, and beauty therapy. This sector is growing rapidly in Nigerian cities and presents strong opportunities for self-employment and salon ownership.
Tourism and hospitality training covers customer service, catering management, hotel operations, and event planning. With the government’s focus on tourism development, skilled workers in this area are increasingly needed.
Catering services train participants in professional food preparation, baking, pastry, and commercial kitchen management. Food businesses are among the most resilient small enterprises in any economy, and culinary training is a direct path to self-employment.
Leather works covers shoe-making, bag production, and leather accessories crafting. This is a niche but growing sector with strong export potential.
Renewable energy training focuses on solar photovoltaic (PV) system installation, maintenance, and fault-finding. With Nigeria’s growing off-grid solar market, this is one of the fastest-growing technical trades in the country.
Refrigeration and air-conditioning services cover installation, repair, and maintenance of cooling systems. With Nigeria’s tropical climate creating year-round demand for cooling solutions, this trade offers consistent income opportunities.
Creative media and cultural industries, newly expanded in the second phase through the collaboration with the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism, cover areas such as visual media production, photography, cultural crafts, and content creation. This expansion is designed to tap into the enormous economic value of Nigeria’s creative economy and give young Nigerians formal training in fields they are already passionate about.
Who Is Eligible to Apply for the TVET Second Phase?
The TVET Programme is deliberately designed to be inclusive. The government wants to reach as many Nigerians as possible, particularly those who have been excluded from formal education and employment pathways. Here is who can apply:
Nigerian Citizens of All Ages
The programme is open to all Nigerian citizens. Critically, there is no upper age limit. Young people fresh out of secondary school can apply, but so can adults in their thirties, forties, or beyond who want to learn a new skill, change careers, or formalise years of informal trade experience. The minister specifically stated that both young people and older Nigerians seeking career transitions are encouraged to apply.
School Leavers and Unemployed Individuals
Secondary school leavers who did not proceed to university and individuals who are currently unemployed or underemployed are the primary target group for this programme. With over 3.4 million school leavers completing secondary education in Nigeria every year and a large proportion unable to secure university placements, TVET offers a real and practical alternative path.
Informal Artisans and Tradespeople
Many Nigerians are already working informally in trades without any formal certification. A plumber, welder, or fashion designer who learned their trade through apprenticeship but has no official credentials can apply for TVET, have their existing skills recognised, and graduate with a certificate that formally validates their expertise. The one-year advanced track is particularly well-suited for this group.
People Committed to Full Participation
The only true requirement beyond citizenship and identity documents is a genuine commitment to attending training consistently. Biometric attendance is tracked, and stipends are only paid to trainees who are actively participating. The programme is built on discipline and consistency, so applicants should only enrol if they are ready to show up and put in the work.
Documents Required to Apply
The registration process is online and relatively straightforward, but you will need to have certain documents and information ready before you start. Here is what you need:
A valid National Identification Number (NIN) is mandatory for all applicants. This is used for identity verification and to prevent duplicate registrations in the system.
A Bank Verification Number (BVN) is required so that the payment system can process your monthly stipend directly into your bank account. Make sure your BVN is correctly linked to an active bank account in your name.
Basic personal details including your full name as it appears on your NIN, date of birth, state of origin, local government area, and valid contact information.
For the one-year advanced track, you should also prepare any relevant supporting documents showing prior learning or experience. This could include previous educational certificates, a letter from a former employer or trainer, an apprenticeship completion document, or any other credential that speaks to your existing skills in your chosen trade.
Details about your preferred course and the training centre you would like to attend.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for the TVET Second Phase
The entire application process is conducted online through the government’s dedicated TVET portal. Here is how to do it:
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to the official TVET Programme portal on the Federal Ministry of Education website to begin your application. This is the only legitimate platform for registration. Do not register through any agent, third-party website, or unofficial link shared on social media. The government has made it very clear that no payment is required at any stage of the application process.
Step 2: Create an Account
Click on the registration or sign-up option and create a new account using your NIN and personal details. If you previously registered for Cohort 1 but were not selected, log in with your existing account. Fill in all required fields accurately and completely.
Step 3: Choose Your Training Track
Select either the six-month Short-Term Certificate Programme (for beginners) or the one-year Vocational Education and Innovation Track (for those with some prior experience). Be honest about your background. Choosing the right track increases your chances of completing the programme successfully and getting the most out of it.
Step 4: Select Your Course and Training Centre
Browse the available courses and choose the vocational trade that aligns with your skills, interests, and career goals. Then select a training centre in your state or local government area. It is important to choose a centre that you can realistically get to every day, since attendance is tracked and affects your stipend.
Step 5: Upload Required Documents
Upload your NIN details, BVN, and any other required documents. For the advanced track, upload any certificates or proof of prior learning at this stage.
Step 6: Review and Submit
Carefully review your entire application before hitting the submit button. Check that your personal details are correct, your preferred course and centre are properly selected, and your documents are uploaded. Once you submit, keep a record of your application confirmation for future reference.
You can submit your application directly on the official TVET Programme registration portal right now.
How the TVET Programme Fights Unemployment in Nigeria
To fully appreciate why this programme matters, it helps to understand the scale of the unemployment challenge in Nigeria. The country produces millions of graduates and school leavers every year, but the formal job market absorbs only a small fraction of them. The result is mass unemployment, widespread underemployment, and a growing frustration among young people who feel that education has not opened the doors they were promised.
TVET addresses this problem from a completely different angle. Instead of preparing people for a narrow band of formal employment, it equips them with skills that have immediate, practical market value. A trained solar installer can start earning money the moment they graduate. A certified plumber with a national qualification commands higher rates than an informally trained one. A fashion designer who completes the programme has both the skills and the credential to market their work professionally.
The programme also feeds directly into Nigeria’s small business ecosystem. Most TVET graduates will not work for large corporations. They will start their own businesses, take on apprentices of their own, supply services to local communities, and become the engine of micro-economic growth at the grassroots level. That is exactly the kind of development the country needs.
The collaboration with the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism in the second phase adds another dimension to this economic argument. Nigeria’s creative economy, including film, music, fashion, crafts, and cultural tourism, generates enormous value and is growing fast. Giving young Nigerians formal training in creative trades means more people can participate professionally in this economy rather than remaining on its fringes.
Accountability and Transparency: What Makes TVET Different
One of the common concerns Nigerians have about government programmes is whether the promised benefits will actually be delivered. The first cohort of TVET went some way toward addressing that concern with concrete, verifiable outcomes.
The N4.7 billion disbursed in December 2025 went directly to individual trainees through their BVN-linked bank accounts and to accredited training centres through a verified financial system. The use of biometric attendance tracking ensures that stipends are not paid to ghost trainees or people who registered but never showed up. The requirement for NIN-based identity verification during registration prevents the kind of multiple-registration fraud that has plagued other government programmes.
The accreditation requirements for training centres are also strict. Centres must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), adopt an NSQ-based curriculum, maintain a minimum instructor-to-student ratio, employ qualified assessors and quality assurance personnel, and have adequate workshop facilities for practical training. Centres that do not meet these standards are not approved, which helps maintain the quality of training across the programme.
These accountability mechanisms do not make the programme perfect, but they do show that the government is making a serious effort to ensure that resources reach the people they are meant to reach.
Frequently Asked Questions About the TVET Second Phase
Is the TVET Programme really free?
Yes. Tuition is fully funded by the Federal Government through NELFund. There is no registration fee, no training fee, and no administrative charge. Any person or group asking you to pay money to secure a TVET slot is a fraudster.
How much is the monthly stipend?
Enrolled trainees receive N22,500 every month throughout their training. Stipend payments are conditional on meeting biometric attendance requirements.
Do I need a WAEC or NECO result to apply?
For the basic six-month track, the requirements are only a valid NIN and BVN. A WAEC or NECO result is not mandatory for the beginner track. For the one-year advanced track, educational certificates or proof of prior learning are encouraged but the specific requirements may vary.
Is there an age limit?
No. There is no upper age limit for the TVET Programme. Nigerians of all ages are welcome to apply.
Are training centres available in my state?
Yes. Accredited training centres are available in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. You can select a centre close to your location when filling in your application on the portal.
Will my certificate be accepted by employers?
Yes. The certification issued upon completing the TVET Programme is nationally recognised and validated by the NBTE under the NSQ framework. It is accepted by employers and professional bodies across Nigeria.
What if I missed Cohort 1?
You can apply for Cohort 2, which is now open. Applications opened on April 13, 2026. Apply as early as possible since training slots at popular centres may be filled quickly.
Can I reapply if I was not selected in Cohort 1?
Yes. You can apply again in the second cohort. Log in to your existing account on the portal, update your information if needed, and submit a fresh application.
Tips to Improve Your TVET Application
Given the massive interest in the programme, it is worth putting in some effort to make sure your application is as strong and complete as possible. Here are a few practical tips:
Apply early. The portal opened on April 13, 2026. Popular courses and well-located training centres fill up fast. Getting your application in within the first few days gives you the best chance of being placed at your preferred centre.
Make sure your NIN is active and your BVN is linked to a working bank account. Errors in these details will delay your registration and could affect your stipend payments.
Choose a trade that genuinely interests you. You will be spending six months to a year learning and practicing this skill. Selecting something you care about makes the experience more productive and increases the likelihood that you will actually use the skill after graduation.
Pick a training centre that is accessible from your home. Remember that attendance is tracked biometrically and is tied directly to your monthly stipend. Missing sessions means missing money.
For the advanced one-year track, gather any supporting documents before you start the application. Having your prior learning evidence ready will speed up the submission process.
Avoid unofficial registration links. Only use the government’s official TVET portal. Do not pay anyone for application assistance. The process is free and entirely self-directed.
How to Apply: Final Summary
Applications for the second phase of the TVET Programme opened on April 13, 2026. To apply, visit the Federal Ministry of Education TVET Programme official application portal, create or log in to your account, select your training track, choose your course and training centre, upload the required documents, and submit your application. There is no fee to pay. The portal is open now.
Final Thoughts
The Federal Government’s decision to open applications for the second phase of the TVET Programme is good news for millions of Nigerians who are ready to work hard and build better lives. The programme offers something rare in today’s Nigeria: a fully funded, government-backed opportunity to acquire real skills, earn a monthly stipend while training, and graduate with a certificate that is recognised across the country.
The first cohort proved that TVET is more than political rhetoric. Over 42,000 trainees received their stipends, over 600 training centres were paid for their work, and billions of naira were disbursed in a transparent, verifiable way. The second cohort builds on that foundation with an expanded curriculum, a creative industries partnership, and the same commitment to quality and accountability.
Whether you are 18 or 45, a school leaver or a career-changer, a complete beginner or an experienced informal artisan looking for formal recognition, there is a place for you in this programme. The only requirement is that you are willing to show up and learn. If that sounds like you, do not wait. Visit the portal today and start your application before the available slots are taken.
Nigeria’s future is being built one skilled worker at a time. TVET is the tool. Your application is the first step.
