President Bola Tinubu has authorised the allocation of ₦120 billion to the Federal Ministry of Education to further its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiatives.
This decision aligns with the federal government’s goal to equip at least 650,000 young individuals with the necessary technical, vocational, and digital skills to address the evolving demands of industry and the labour market.
President Bola Tinubu has authorised the allocation of ₦120 billion to the Federal Ministry of Education to further its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiatives.
This decision aligns with the federal government’s goal to equip at least 650,000 young individuals with the necessary technical, vocational, and digital skills to address the evolving demands of industry and the labour market.
The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, has reiterated the federal government’s commitment to transforming education and vocational training in Nigeria. Speaking through Prof. Leo Daniel, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Science and Technology, Ikot Abasi, the minister delivered the address during the inauguration of a new Community and Education Centre in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State.
To boost the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme, the minister announced plans to introduce incentives, including monthly stipends, starter packs, and initial grants, to attract Nigerian youth.
Prof. Ahmad emphasized that education remains the bedrock of national progress, empowering individuals and communities to overcome future challenges. She noted that the Federal Ministry of Education, under the leadership of Dr. Tunji Maruf Alausa, launched the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) aimed at transitioning the country from a resource-driven to a knowledge-based economy.
The NESRI focuses on six pillars:
– TVET
– STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences)
– Out-of-school children
– Girl-child education
– Data and digitalization
– Quality assurance in education
According to the minister, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved ₦120 billion to support the TVET agenda, with a goal to train at least 650,000 young Nigerians in technical, vocational, and digital skills over the next two years.
Highlighting the new centre’s role, she described it as more than just infrastructure—it is a symbol of opportunity, set to serve as a hub for learning, skills training, digital literacy, adult education, and youth empowerment.
Prof. Ahmad also acknowledged the existing educational challenges in Nigeria, such as infrastructure deficits, low enrolment and retention rates—particularly among girls in rural areas—but assured that the government remains focused and undeterred.
Through collaborative efforts with state governments, local communities, and development partners, the minister stated that the federal government is working tirelessly to bridge educational gaps and ensure inclusive access for all children.
She urged the Ikot Abasi community to take ownership of the centre and use it as a springboard to unlock the potential of their youth, emphasizing that the facility is a collective investment in future scholars, artisans, and leaders.
The minister commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for its commitment to education and support of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-formal Education (NMEC), which played a key role in realizing the project.
Earlier, NMEC Executive Secretary, Prof. Simon Ibor Akpama, highlighted that the centre embodies President Tinubu’s commitment to youth and adult literacy. The facility’s curriculum integrates basic literacy, post-literacy, and vocational training to empower underserved individuals in the community.
Prof. Akpama urged beneficiaries to maximize the use of the centre while calling on the Akwa Ibom State Government to support the initiative further by employing facilitators and replicating the model across all 31 local government areas.