FME TVET Initiative offers free skills training, N22,500 monthly stipend, certification, and startup support for Nigerians. Apply at tvet.education.gov.ng.
What Is the FME TVET Initiative?
The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Initiative is a flagship programme of the Federal Ministry of Education designed to equip Nigerians with practical, industry-relevant skills for employment and entrepreneurship. It is one of the largest skills development programmes in Nigeria, fully funded by the Federal Government through NELFund.
The programme provides tuition-free training at accredited centres across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Participants receive a monthly stipend of N22,500 throughout their training, nationally recognised certification upon completion, and access to startup support including take-off grants and business loans at single-digit interest rates. Training is delivered by industry professionals and follows a curriculum that is heavily weighted toward practical, hands-on learning.
Two training tracks are available. The Short-Term Certificate (STC) programme runs for six months and is designed for first-time trainees, school leavers, or individuals with no formal educational background. The Vocational Education and Innovation (VEI) programme runs for one year and targets individuals with some education or informal training experience who want to deepen and formalise their skills.
The initiative covers over 20 trades across high-demand sectors including construction, ICT, automotive technology, agriculture, creative media, fashion, cosmetology, hospitality, and more. Applications are submitted through the official portal at tvet.education.gov.ng. The programme is open to Nigerians of all ages and educational backgrounds, with no formal qualifications required for the STC track.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | FME TVET Initiative |
| Organiser | Federal Ministry of Education |
| Funding | Fully funded by the Federal Government through NELFund |
| Monthly Stipend | N22,500 |
| Training Duration | 6 months (STC) or 1 year (VEI) |
| Training Centres | Accredited centres in all 36 states and FCT |
| Certification | Nationally recognised |
| Additional Support | Take-off grants, business loans at single-digit interest |
| Application Portal | tvet.education.gov.ng |
Programme Goals: Why the TVET Initiative Exists
Nigeria faces a significant skills gap. Millions of young people leave school each year without the practical competencies needed to secure employment or start businesses. The TVET Initiative was created to address this gap by shifting the focus from academic theory to practical skill acquisition. The programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Tinubu’s administration and represents a strategic investment in human capital development.
The initiative has four core objectives: closing Nigeria’s skills gap by providing accessible vocational training, empowering youth for self-reliance through employable skills, creating a pipeline of skilled workers for industries across the country, and promoting national development through vocational excellence. The Federal Ministry of Education is also collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism to strengthen training in creative and cultural trades, recognising the potential of Nigeria’s creative economy as a driver of employment and growth.
Since its launch in 2025, the programme has scaled rapidly. The first cohort attracted over 1.3 million applications. More than 42,000 participants have received monthly stipends, and over 600 accredited training centres are delivering the programme across the country. The Federal Government released N4.7 billion in December 2025 as the first tranche of payments to trainees and centres. An artisan-led mentorship model has also been introduced across 38 upgraded technical colleges, pairing trainees with experienced craftsmen.
Training Tracks: STC and VEI Explained
The TVET Initiative offers two flexible training tracks. Choosing the right one depends on your background, experience, and career goals.
Short-Term Certificate (STC) Programme — 6 Months
The STC track is designed for first-time trainees, school leavers, or individuals with no formal educational background. No prior educational qualification is required. You only need a valid National Identification Number (NIN) and a Bank Verification Number (BVN) to apply. This track is ideal if you want to learn a practical skill quickly and enter the workforce or start a business within six months.
Vocational Education and Innovation (VEI) Programme — 1 Year
The VEI track is for individuals with some education or informal training experience who want to deepen and formalise their skills over a longer period. To apply for this track, you need any one of the following: Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which is proof of skills acquired informally or through apprenticeship; a First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC); or any form of non-formal education certificate from NGOs, religious institutions, nomadic education, or community programmes.
Both tracks provide the N22,500 monthly stipend, free tuition, hands-on training, nationally recognised certification, and access to startup support upon graduation.
Available Courses and Training Sectors
The programme offers training in over 20 trades across high-demand sectors. Participants choose their preferred trade during the application process. Here are all the available courses grouped by sector.
Construction
- Electrical Installation,
- Welding and Fabrication,
- Painting Decoration and Finishes (Interior Design),
- Floor Cladding Tiling and Interlocking,
- Bricklaying Blocklaying and Concreting,
- Plumbing and Pipe-fitting,
- Woodwork Carpentry and Joinery,
- Furniture Making and Upholstery, and
- Blacksmithing.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Network System Installation,
- Computer Hardware and GSM Repair and Maintenance,
- Social Media Communications, and
- Creative Media (Digital Media Production).
Automotive Technology
- Motorcycle and Tricycle Repair,
- Vulcanising and Tyre Repair,
- Auto-body Works (Panel Beating),
- Automobile Mechanic,
- Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning, and
- Automobile CNG Conversion and Maintenance.
Energy
- Solar PV Installation and Maintenance.
Agriculture
- Mechanised Agriculture (Mechanics or Operations) and
- Livestock Farming (Bee Keeping, Poultry, and Animal Husbandry).
Fashion and Creative Industries
- Fashion Design and Garment Making, and
- Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology.
Hospitality
- Hospitality Training.
The specific courses available to you may depend on the accredited training centres in your state. When applying, you will be able to select your preferred training centre and trade.
What TVET Participants Receive: Full Benefits Package
The TVET Initiative provides a comprehensive support package that covers training costs, living support, and post-graduation assistance.
- Free Tuition: All training costs are covered by the Federal Government through NELFund. Participants do not pay tuition or any fees. This applies to both the STC and VEI tracks at all accredited training centres.
- Monthly Stipend of N22,500: Participants receive N22,500 per month throughout their training period — whether six months (STC) or one year (VEI). Stipends are tied to attendance requirements monitored through biometric verification. Consistent attendance is mandatory to receive payment.
- Hands-On Training from Industry Professionals: Training is delivered by experienced professionals with real-world industry experience. The curriculum is structured with a heavy emphasis on practical learning — the programme is designed so that 80 per cent of the content is hands-on practical work and 20 per cent is classroom theory. The artisan-led mentorship model in upgraded technical colleges further strengthens the practical training component.
- Nationally Recognised Certification: Upon successful completion, graduates receive a certification that is recognised nationwide by employers. This validates the skills acquired and supports career opportunities in employment, self-employment, or further education.
- Take-Off Grants (Starter Packs): Selected graduates receive starter packs upon graduation to help them begin their careers or launch businesses. These take-off grants provide the tools and materials needed to start practising the trade immediately after completing the programme.
- Business Loans at Single-Digit Interest: Graduates also gain access to top-up business loans at single-digit interest rates. These loans are designed to help graduates scale their businesses beyond the initial starter pack, providing capital for equipment, materials, or workspace as they grow.
Training Centre Network: Where the Programme Operates
Training takes place at accredited centres spread across all six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. The network includes Federal and State Technical Colleges, state-owned accredited institutions, and registered private vocational centres. This nationwide coverage ensures that participants can access training regardless of their location.
All training centres went through a rigorous accreditation process before being approved. Requirements included registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), adoption of an NSQ-based curriculum, a minimum instructor-to-student ratio, the presence of qualified assessors and quality assurance personnel, and adequate workshop facilities for practical training. Over 600 centres are currently delivering the programme.
During the application process, you will be able to select your preferred training centre based on your location and the trade you want to study. Check the portal for the list of accredited centres available in your state.
How to Apply for the FME TVET Initiative
Applications are submitted online through the official TVET portal. Follow these steps to complete your registration.
- Step 1: Visit the official TVET portal at tvet.education.gov.ng (opens in a new tab). This is the only authorised website for applications.
- Step 2: Click the “Apply” button on the homepage to begin your registration.
- Step 3: You will be directed to a NIN verification page. Enter your National Identification Number (NIN) and date of birth to verify your identity.
- Step 4: Provide the phone number linked to your NIN and a valid email address. A one-time password (OTP) will be sent to your phone for verification.
- Step 5: Once verified, your profile is automatically created. You will be redirected to a login dashboard.
- Step 6: Choose your preferred programme — Short-Term Certificate (STC) for six months, or Vocational Education and Innovation (VEI) for one year.
- Step 7: Fill in your personal details, educational background, and BVN.
- Step 8: Upload any supporting documents. For the STC track, you need only your NIN and BVN. For the VEI track, upload your RPL proof, FSLC, or non-formal education certificate.
- Step 9: Select your preferred training centre and trade from the available options.
- Step 10: Review all your information for accuracy and submit your application.
- Step 11: Wait for confirmation. You will receive notification about your application status and next steps.
Make sure your NIN and BVN details are correct and up to date before you start the process. The portal experienced heavy traffic during the first cohort, so apply early and be patient if the site loads slowly.
Attendance, Monitoring, and Stipend Payment
The programme enforces strict attendance policies to ensure accountability and effective use of government funds.
Attendance is tracked using biometric verification systems at training centres. Participants must physically attend their assigned centre and scan in biometrically to record their presence. The N22,500 monthly stipend is only paid to trainees who meet the programme’s attendance requirements. If you miss sessions or fail to attend consistently, your stipend payments will be withheld.
Applicants must be available for full and consistent participation throughout the entire training period. This is a commitment of either six months (STC) or one year (VEI). If you cannot attend regularly, do not apply. The biometric system ensures that only active, committed trainees receive government funding.
Why the TVET Initiative Matters
The TVET Initiative addresses a fundamental challenge in Nigeria’s economy: the mismatch between the skills young people have and the skills industries need. By providing free, practical training in trades that are in genuine demand — from solar PV installation to digital media production to automobile mechanics — the programme creates direct pathways from training to employment or self-employment.
The programme’s design reflects lessons from global best practices in vocational education. The emphasis on practical training over theory, the use of accredited centres with qualified instructors, the artisan mentorship model, and the provision of post-graduation startup support all contribute to a programme structure that aims to produce graduates who are genuinely ready to work or start businesses.
For many participants, the N22,500 monthly stipend removes a critical barrier. Without financial support during training, many Nigerians cannot afford to leave income-generating activities to attend full-time programmes. The stipend ensures that trainees can focus on learning without worrying about how to meet basic needs during the training period.
Contact Information
If you have questions about the programme or need assistance with the application process, you can reach the TVET support team.
- Email: tvet.support@education.gov.ng
- Official Portal: tvet.education.gov.ng
- Address: Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja, Nigeria
Final Thoughts
The FME TVET Initiative is one of the most comprehensive skills development programmes currently available in Nigeria. It combines free tuition, a N22,500 monthly stipend, hands-on training from industry professionals, nationally recognised certification, take-off grants, and access to business loans — all at no cost to participants. With over 20 trades available across accredited centres in all 36 states and the FCT, the programme is accessible to Nigerians regardless of their location, age, or educational background.
Whether you are a school leaver looking for your first practical skill, an artisan seeking to formalise your expertise, or someone looking for a new career direction, the TVET Initiative offers a genuine pathway to employment and entrepreneurship.
Apply through the official portal at tvet.education.gov.ng and choose the track and trade that best fit your goals. Share this opportunity with friends, family, and community members who could benefit from free skills training and financial support.
FAQs About the FME TVET Initiative
The Technical and Vocational Education and Training Initiative is a flagship programme of the Federal Ministry of Education. It provides free practical skills training, a N22,500 monthly stipend, nationally recognised certification, and post-graduation startup support to Nigerians through accredited training centres across the country.
Yes. Tuition is fully funded by the Federal Government through NELFund. Participants pay nothing. They also receive a monthly stipend of N22,500 throughout the training period.
The programme is open to all Nigerians — young and old. For the STC track (six months), no educational qualification is required. You only need a valid NIN and BVN. For the VEI track (one year), you need proof of prior learning, a First School Leaving Certificate, or a non-formal education certificate.
The Short-Term Certificate (STC) programme lasts six months. The Vocational Education and Innovation (VEI) programme lasts one year.
You need a valid National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN). For the VEI track, you also need proof of prior education or training (RPL, FSLC, or non-formal certificate).
The programme provides career guidance and job placement assistance for graduates. It also provides take-off grants (starter packs) and access to business loans at single-digit interest rates to help graduates start businesses. Employment is not guaranteed, but the programme is designed to equip you with the skills and support needed to enter the workforce or become self-employed.
Yes. During the application process, you select your preferred training centre and trade. Centres are available across all 36 states and the FCT, including Federal and State Technical Colleges, state-owned institutions, and registered private vocational centres.