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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a ₦45,000 monthly grant for students enrolled in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs across Nigeria. This initiative is part of a larger ₦120 billion federal government plan aimed at empowering Nigerian youth with practical skills to boost employment and entrepreneurship. According to Prof. Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the monthly stipend is designed to support students in technical colleges and reduce the financial burden of acquiring vocational training. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Nigeria TVET monthly grant — including eligibility, how to apply, and the key benefits.

What Is the TVET Program?

TVET stands for Technical and Vocational Education and Training. It is a type of education that teaches students practical skills (hand work) they can use to get jobs or start their own businesses. Unlike traditional education, which often focuses on theory, TVET is more about doing the work and gaining experience.

This program is designed for young Nigerians who are between 18 and 35 years old and who want to learn skills that are in high demand in today’s economy.

Some of the skilled trades under TVET include:

• Welding – learning how to join metal parts used in buildings, bridges, and machines.

• Carpentry – training in making furniture, doors, and construction frameworks.

• ICT (Information and Communication Technology) – gaining computer and digital skills for office work, coding, and tech repair.

• Plumbing – learning how to install and repair water pipes, toilets, and drainage systems.

• Auto Mechanics – training to fix and maintain cars, motorcycles, and engines.

• Fashion Design – teaching tailoring, pattern making, and clothing production.

• Agriculture – learning modern farming methods, animal care, and food processing.

The goal of the TVET program is to reduce unemployment, empower youth, and build a skilled workforce that can support Nigeria’s economy.

Through this program, students learn skilled trades in different fields. They will spend more time in workshops, laboratories, and real-life work environments. This helps them build the confidence and experience they need to perform well in their chosen fields.

Whether someone wants to work for a company or start their own business, TVET gives them the right tools to succeed.

See Also: Top 10 In-Demand Skilled Trades in Nigeria (2025 Update)

What the ₦120 Billion Will Be Used For

The ₦120bn approved by Tinubu will go toward:

1. Upgrading Technical Training Centers

A large portion of the money will go into renovating and improving technical colleges and training centers across Nigeria. Many of these schools have outdated classrooms, poor infrastructure, and lack modern learning tools. The funding will help rebuild and modernize these institutions to create a better learning environment.

2. Buying Modern Training Equipment

TVET is all about hands-on learning. That means students need access to real equipment used in industries today. The funds will be used to buy modern tools and machines for training in areas like welding, carpentry, mechanics, ICT, plumbing, and more.

3. Training Instructors and Teachers

To give students high-quality education, the government will invest in retraining and upskilling TVET instructors. Teachers will receive special training to stay up to date with industry standards, so they can teach using the latest tools, techniques, and safety practices.

4. Providing Free Skill Certification

Skill certification is important because it helps students prove their abilities to employers. With this funding, the government will cover the full cost of certification exams, making it easier for students to get official recognition of their skills without worrying about fees.

5. Paying Master-Class Industry Supervisors

Students in TVET programs are required to do industrial attachments—a type of internship where they learn on the job. The government will now pay “master-class” supervisors—experienced professionals in industries—who mentor and train these students during their practical sessions.

6. Funding Scholarships and grant Support for student

Part of the ₦120 billion will go toward monthly stipends and scholarships for students. Each student who enrolls in a TVET program or technical college will receive ₦45,000 per month as a grant, not a loan. This support will help students focus on their education without worrying about financial stress.

“The ₦45,000 stipend is a grant, not a loan. It’s meant to support and attract more youth into technical education,” said Prof. Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary of NBTE.

This will be managed by the Federal Ministry of Education and other relevant agencies to ensure quality delivery.

Read more: How to Apply for TVET Programs (FME TVET Initiative 2025)

Nigeria TVET monthly grant

What is the Nigeria TVET Monthly Grant?
The Nigeria TVET Monthly Grant is a government initiative approved by President Tinubu, offering a N45,000 monthly grant or stipend to students who enroll in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs. This grant is part of a larger N120bn fund aimed at empowering Nigerian youth with practical skills and reducing unemployment.

The reason behind this decision is to empower young Nigerians with technical and vocational skills. Whether or not you can afford university, as long as you’re willing to learn a skill or trade, you’ll now have the chance to attend a technical college without paying a dime.

This is aimed at building a skilled workforce—people who don’t have to rely on the government or anyone else for jobs. Instead, you’ll be equipped to create your own opportunities, start a trade, or become self-sufficient.

So, I have a question for you:
Are you currently enrolled in a federal science and technical college or  TVET program in Nigeria?
If not, this might be the perfect time to consider it. This isn’t a loan or a scholarship—it’s truly free education!

Nigeria TVET monthly grant Eligibility

To qualify for the TVET monthly grant under Nigeria’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Enrollment in a Recognized Technical Institution
   You must enroll in an approved technical college, polytechnic, or vocational training center accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
2. Nigerian Citizenship
   You must be Nigerian citizens to be eligible to receive the TVET monthly stipend.
3. Full-Time Student Status
   You must actively participate in a technical or vocational course.
4. Compliance with Program Requirements
   You must also adhere to the attendance and performance standards set by training institutions and the NBTE to continue receiving the grant.
5. You must have a BVN and an active bank account.
   Applicants are required to submit their BVN and account number during the registration process for grant disbursement.
6. You must be between 18 and 35 years
   Your age must be between 18 and 35 years old (18–35 years).

To apply for Nigeria TVET monthly grant click here.

Why Tinubu Approved N120bn for TVET

President Tinubu said that skills training is key to reducing unemployment. With many young people struggling to find jobs, TVET gives them a chance to earn a living and even become entrepreneurs.

“We are investing in people, not just projects,” the President said.

The TVET initiative also aligns with the government’s plan to boost the economy through education and human capital development.

Positive Reactions from Stakeholders

Many Nigerians have praised the decision. Experts in education and business say the TVET program is a much-needed solution to Nigeria’s growing job crisis.

A technical school instructor in Abuja said:

“This funding will help our centers improve and offer better training to students.”

Concerns About Implementation

While the news is welcome, some have raised concerns about how the funds will be used. In the past, similar programs failed due to poor management and lack of accountability.

Nigerians are now calling for:

• Transparency in fund allocation

• Regular updates on project progress

• Involvement of private sector partners

Next Steps and How Youth Can Benefit

The program has begun in some states, like Akwa Ibom and others. Check our next articles for more information on:

• How to apply for TVET programs

• The list of approved training centers

• Scholarship and support opportunities

Young Nigerians are encouraged to stay informed and take advantage of this opportunity to gain valuable job skills.

Conclusion

President Tinubu’s ₦120 billion for the TVET program and a 45,000 monthly stipend for those who enrolled in the program is a big step toward solving youth unemployment. If implemented properly, the program could train millions of Nigerians, boost entrepreneurship, and improve the economy.

This is more than just an investment in education—it’s an investment in Nigeria’s future.