Federal Government TVET Program: Free Skills Training and Monthly Stipend for Nigerians
Summary
The Federal Government TVET program offers free vocational training in 25+ trades with a ₦22,500 monthly stipend, startup support, and career guidance. No degree required to apply.
Federal Government TVET Program: Free Skills Training and Monthly Stipend for Nigerians
The Federal Government of Nigeria runs a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme through the Federal Ministry of Education. It provides free hands-on training in over 25 trades, a monthly stipend of ₦22,500, and post-training support including startup kits and career guidance.
Applications for Batch B open on April 13, 2026 through the official portal at tvet.education.gov.ng.
Who Can Apply
The programme is open to all Nigerian citizens interested in acquiring practical skills. There are two tracks with different entry requirements:
Short-Term Certificate (STC) Programme — 6 Months
- No educational qualification required
- Valid National Identification Number (NIN)
- Valid Bank Verification Number (BVN)
- Designed for anyone ready to learn a trade quickly
Vocational Education and Innovation (VEI) Programme — 1 Year
- Requires one of the following: Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC), or a non-formal education certificate from an NGO, religious institution, or community programme
- Valid NIN and BVN
- Suited for applicants with existing apprenticeship experience or informal training who want formal certification
Available Courses
The programme covers over 25 trade areas across six sectors:
Construction and Building
- Electrical Installation
- Welding and Fabrication
- Painting and Decoration
- Floor Cladding and Tiling
- Bricklaying, Blocklaying, and Concreting
- Plumbing and Pipefitting
- Carpentry and Joinery
Information and Communication Technology
- Network System Installation
- Computer Hardware and GSM Repair
- Social Media Communications
- Digital Media Production
Automotive
- Motorcycle and Tricycle Repair
- Auto-body Repair and Spray Painting
- Automobile Mechanics
- CNG Conversion Technology
Agriculture
- Mechanised Agriculture
- Livestock Farming
- Poultry Management
- Bee Keeping
Services
- Fashion Design and Tailoring
- Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology
- Hospitality and Catering
Other Trades
- Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning
- Woodwork and Furniture Making
- Blacksmithing
- Solar PV Installation
What You Get
Selected participants receive the following at no cost:
- Free tuition — Training fees are fully covered by the Federal Government
- ₦22,500 monthly stipend — Paid throughout the training period to cover transport, meals, and basic needs. Payment is conditional on meeting attendance requirements
- Completion certificate — A recognised vocational qualification
- Startup support — Access to takeoff grants, startup kits, and possible loans after completing the programme
- Career guidance — Job placement assistance and career counselling
Training Centres
Training centres are established across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Applicants can access training close to where they live without needing to relocate. Each centre is equipped for hands-on practical learning in the selected trade.
How to Apply
- Visit the official portal at tvet.education.gov.ng
- Create an account with your personal details
- Select your preferred track (STC or VEI)
- Complete the application form with accurate information
- Upload supporting documents (NIN and BVN are mandatory; VEI applicants need RPL, FSLC, or equivalent)
- Choose your preferred training centre and trade
- Review and submit your application
Batch B applications open on April 13, 2026. No closing date has been officially announced, but earlier batches filled quickly. Apply as soon as the portal opens.
Important Things to Know
Stipend payments require attendance. The ₦22,500 monthly stipend is not automatic. TVET authorities track attendance strictly, and payments go only to participants who meet the requirements. Regular absences can lead to removal from the programme.
The programme is not an employment scheme. It provides skills and support, but securing work after training depends on the participant. The career guidance and startup support are tools to help, not guarantees of employment.
Batch A experienced payment delays. The Batch B portal opening was postponed from an earlier date because of outstanding stipend payments to Batch A participants. Bureaucratic delays in stipend disbursement are possible.
No application fee is required. The TVET application is completely free. Anyone asking for payment to "secure" a spot or "process" an application is running a scam. Report such individuals to the Federal Ministry of Education.
Who Should Consider This Programme
The TVET programme is particularly relevant for:
- School leavers who did not gain university admission and need marketable skills while they figure out next steps
- Graduates struggling to find employment who want to add practical capabilities alongside their degree
- Artisans and tradespeople with years of informal training who want a recognised certification
- Anyone considering self-employment or starting a small business in a skilled trade
The six-month STC track is short enough to complete without disrupting other plans, and the skills taught — electrical installation, plumbing, solar PV installation, computer repair — are in consistent demand across Nigeria.
For full details, visit the Federal Ministry of Education’s TVET page at tvet.education.gov.ng.
