The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), has commenced the approval process for applicants under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme. The initiative, which aims to equip Nigerian youths with employable technical and entrepreneurial skills, has recorded over 1.3 million applications since its launch earlier this year.
The NBTE confirmed that approvals are now being released for two key programme categories, the Short-Term Certificate (STC) and the Vocational Education Innovation (VEI) courses, as part of ongoing efforts to expand vocational education and tackle youth unemployment.
Categories of the TVET Programme
-
Short-Term Certificate (STC)
The STC track is a six-month intensive training designed to equip participants with practical skills in areas such as ICT, tailoring, electrical works, catering, and welding. It targets youths seeking immediate employability or self-reliance through technical skills. -
Vocational Education Innovation (VEI)
The VEI programme runs for one year and provides advanced vocational and entrepreneurial training. It is designed to produce certified professionals capable of establishing sustainable businesses and contributing to Nigeria’s skilled workforce.
Applicants who have submitted their entries are advised to log in to their official TVET dashboard to check their current application status. Successful candidates will find detailed information on their approval, training center, and onboarding procedures.
NBTE’s Commitment to Youth Empowerment
In a recent statement, the Executive Secretary of NBTE, Professor Idris Muhammad Bugaje, revealed that out of over 1.3 million applications, about 960,000 have been screened, while training for the first batch of 58,000 beneficiaries has commenced. He described the programme as a transformative initiative aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s youth for self-employment and entrepreneurship.
Bugaje emphasized the need to move away from the traditional focus on academic qualifications and promote skills-based learning that aligns with global economic realities. He noted that with over 70 percent of Nigerians under the age of 30, empowering young people with technical competencies is crucial for national growth and productivity.
Complementary Government Programmes
The TVET initiative complements other skill development efforts by various ministries, including:
-
The Digital Skills Initiative (MTT) by the Ministry of Communications which targets three million youths for digital and creative training.
-
The National Skill Acquisition Programme (NASAP) by the Ministry of Works aimed at training one million youths in construction-related skills such as carpentry, tiling, and plaster of Paris (POP).
These interventions are collectively designed to reduce unemployment, boost self-employment, and enhance Nigeria’s position as a competitive player in the global labor market.
Next Steps for Applicants
The NBTE advises applicants to:
-
Log in to the official TVET portal to check their approval status.
-
Follow the instructions provided for documentation and center allocation.
-
Exercise patience as approvals are being processed in batches.
-
Avoid unofficial websites or individuals claiming to offer expedited approval.