President Tinubu Releases N120 Billion to Boost Technical and Vocational Education Nationwide
In a major stride towards youth empowerment and educational reform, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the release of N120 billion to support the Federal Ministry of Education’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative.
This landmark funding is aimed at equipping at least 650,000 Nigerian youths with vital technical, vocational, and digital skills tailored to meet the demands of modern industry and labor markets.
Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, made this announcement during the commissioning of a new Community and Education Centre in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State. Represented by the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Science and Technology, Ikot Abasi, Prof. Leo Daniel, she highlighted the Ministry’s determination to use education as a transformative tool for national development.
Stipends, Starter Packs and Take-off Grants for Youths
As part of the TVET expansion, the federal government plans to offer monthly stipends, starter packs, and take-off grants to young Nigerians participating in these skill acquisition programmes. These incentives are designed to attract more youths and reduce unemployment across the nation.
The new initiative falls under the broader Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), which focuses on transforming Nigeria from a resource-dependent economy to a knowledge-driven one.
NESRI’s Key Pillars Include:
TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training)
STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical Sciences)
Girl-Child Education
Reducing Out-of-School Children
Data and Digitalisation
Education Quality Assurance
Prof. Ahmad emphasized that the Ikot Abasi Centre is not just a facility, but a symbol of hope for the youth, functioning as a hub for digital literacy, adult education, and skill acquisition. “This centre will help bridge the digital divide, empower our young people, and offer inclusive learning opportunities for all,” she stated.
Community Ownership and Sustainability
She called on the local community to take ownership of the project, noting that it has the potential to produce future scholars, innovators, artisans, and leaders. “Let this place become a vibrant learning centre where dreams come alive,” she urged.
NMEC Commends Federal Support
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-formal Education (NMEC), Prof. Simon Ibor Akpama, hailed the president’s commitment to tackling illiteracy and empowering youth through education.
He explained that the centre’s curriculum is structured to provide basic literacy, post-literacy, and vocational training. “It is a beacon of hope for underserved youths and adults of Ikot Abasi,” he said.
Prof. Akpama also appealed to the Akwa Ibom State Government to assist by providing additional facilities and ensuring the recruitment of qualified facilitators. He suggested replicating the model across all 31 local government areas in the state.
As the federal government forges ahead with its plan to empower hundreds of thousands of youths, this initiative marks a significant step toward sustainable development and national transformation.
What do you think about this initiative? Will it change the lives of Nigerian youths? Share your thoughts and join the conversation on our social media platforms. For more updates, stay with NIGPOST!
Leave a Reply