- FG Applauds Borno’s Investment in Skills Training
- 3,000 Graduate from Vocational Training Centres
- Zulum disclosed that the state government invested about ₦30 billion in TVET infrastructure and mobilised over ₦2.05 billion in partnership funding from organisations
The Federal Government has commended Babagana Umara Zulum, Governor of Borno State, for expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) after about 3,000 trainees graduated from nine vocational institutes and training centres across the state.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, described the initiative as a major step towards equipping young Nigerians with practical and employable skills.
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According to the minister, the graduates received starter packs for their trades and a ₦100,000 entrepreneurship grant to support them in launching small businesses and becoming economically productive.
Alausa said the programme aligns with the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises youth empowerment, job creation and economic inclusion.
He explained that the Federal Government is currently implementing a nationwide TVET programme designed to expand access to practical skills training.
The initiative, he said, currently provides about 250,000 training opportunities, with more than 180,000 young Nigerians already undergoing training in thousands of centres across the country.
The training model focuses heavily on practical learning, with around 80 per cent hands-on training and 20 per cent theoretical instruction.
The minister also revealed that the Federal Government is developing a national TVET job portal aimed at linking skilled graduates with industries and employment opportunities.
The platform is expected to help new artisans secure work while also supporting entrepreneurs with starter packs and access to single-digit loans to establish businesses.
Alausa urged other state governments to emulate Borno’s approach, noting that technical and vocational skills are increasingly central to the future of work and national development.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Governor Zulum described the programme as a major milestone in the state’s efforts to rebuild livelihoods and empower young people affected by years of insurgency.
He said the initiative is part of broader programmes designed to restore dignity and create sustainable economic opportunities for youths and vulnerable communities.
The governor highlighted the establishment and revitalisation of vocational training centres in communities including Muna, Mafa, Biu, Shani and Magumeri.
He also noted the creation of Second Chance Skills Entrepreneurship Schools aimed at supporting women and girls.
Zulum disclosed that the state government invested about ₦30 billion in TVET infrastructure and mobilised over ₦2.05 billion in partnership funding from organisations such as National Board for Technical Education, United Nations Development Programme, International Organization for Migration, and AGILE Programme Nigeria.
Each beneficiary, he added, received a ₦100,000 start-up grant alongside tools and equipment to support their transition into entrepreneurship.
The Borno State Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Abba Wakilbe, said the programme demonstrates the government’s commitment to building a skilled workforce while tackling youth unemployment.
He added that the initiative also helps reduce the number of out-of-school youths by providing practical skills that promote self-reliance.
The Federal Ministry of Education Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to working with state governments and development partners to expand technical and vocational education nationwide, noting that sustained investment in skills development is critical to youth empowerment and long-term economic growth.
