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.