The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and NELFUND, has opened applications for Batch C (Cohort 3) of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Initiative.
Designed to curb youth unemployment and bridge Nigeria’s industrial skills gap, the federal program provides tuition-free vocational education, a monthly living stipend of ₦30,000, industry-recognized certificates, and take-off grants or starter packs for graduates.
According to Novex tracking into youth development programs, over 250,000 trainees are actively enrolled across accredited centers nationwide, with Cohort 3 expanding capacity to accommodate high-demand technical and digital trades.
Applicants can enroll across two specialized learning pathways depending on their preferred career trajectory:
Short-Term Certificate (STC) Track: 6-month intensive practical course.
Vocational Education & Innovation (VEI) Track: 1-year comprehensive technical module.
Core Program Benefits & Financial Incentives
Zero Tuition Fees: Fully subsidized by the Federal Government through NELFUND sponsorship.
Monthly Allowance: Direct payment of a ₦30,000 living allowance to active trainees.
National Certification: Industry-backed trade certification issued upon graduation.
Micro-Enterprise Starter Packs: Business tools, equipment, and take-off grants provided to help graduates start self-employed enterprises.
To qualify, prospective candidates must be Nigerian citizens, hold a valid National Identification Number (NIN) tied to an active Bank Verification Number (BVN), and meet basic educational minimums (First School Leaving Certificate or Recognition of Prior Learning).
Applicants are advised to verify all personal and banking information during registration to prevent delays in stipend disbursements upon commencement of training.