FG Begins Payment of ₦22,500 Monthly Stipend To 42,000 TVET Trainees in 2025: Complete Guide

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.FG Begins Payment of ₦22,500 Monthly Stipend. Learn about eligibility requirements, application process, training programs, and how to receive your stipend.

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FG Begins Payment of ₦22,500 Monthly Stipend To: Complete Guide

The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced disbursement of monthly stipends to over 42,000 beneficiaries under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Initiative.

This landmark development, announced in early December 2025, marks a significant milestone in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at empowering Nigerian youth with practical, job-ready skills.

Overview of the TVET Payment Initiative

The government has begun distributing the first tranche of direct financial payments to students and independent vocational centers, with each trainee receiving ₦22,500 monthly to cover transportation and upkeep expenses. This payment represents the government’s commitment to ensuring that young Nigerians can focus entirely on acquiring valuable vocational skills without financial distractions.

The payment structure includes two key components: monthly stipends for trainees and instructional payments for training centers. Over 600 independent training centers have received payments for instructional services and practical training delivered, ensuring the sustainability and quality of the program.

The total first tranche disbursement amounts to approximately ₦4.7 billion, demonstrating the scale and seriousness of this federal investment in youth development.

About the TVET Initiative Program

The TVET Initiative was launched in May 2025 by the Federal Ministry of Education under the supervision of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). The program targets Nigerian youth aged 18 to 35 years, offering them free vocational training in high-demand sectors including Information and Communications Technology (ICT), agriculture, construction, hospitality, manufacturing, and renewable energy.

The initiative features a curriculum structure that is 80% practical and 20% theoretical, ensuring trainees acquire real-world technical competencies. This approach addresses Nigeria’s critical skills gap while providing pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, and economic productivity. Within the first week of the online portal opening, the ministry received over 90,000 applications, highlighting the massive demand for accessible skills training among Nigerian youth.

Two Training Pathways Available

The TVET program offers two distinct training options designed to accommodate different educational backgrounds and career goals:

Short-Term Certificate (STC) Programme

This six-month intensive training is ideal for first-time trainees, school leavers, or individuals without formal educational qualifications. The entry requirements are minimal, requiring only a valid National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN). This track focuses on rapid skill acquisition to enable participants to enter the workforce quickly with practical, marketable abilities.

Vocational Education & Innovation (VEI) Programme

The VEI track runs for one year and is designed for individuals with some educational background or informal training experience. Entry requirements include either Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) demonstrating informally acquired skills, a First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC), or any non-formal education certificate from NGOs, religious institutions, or community programs. This pathway offers deeper technical training and specialization opportunities.

Monthly Stipend Details and Payment Structure

Each registered trainee receives a monthly stipend of ₦22,500 directly into their bank accounts. This financial support covers essential expenses such as:

Daily transportation to and from training centers
Basic upkeep and living expenses during the training period
Learning materials and supplies needed for practical training

Training centers also benefit from the payment structure. Accredited training centers receive ₦45,000 per participant to cover instructional costs, facility maintenance, and quality assurance. This dual payment system ensures both trainees and training providers remain committed to delivering and receiving quality vocational education.

Eligibility Requirements for TVET Trainees

To qualify for the TVET Initiative and receive monthly stipends, applicants must meet the following basic requirements:

Be a Nigerian citizen between 18 and 35 years of age
Possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN)
Have a Bank Verification Number (BVN) for stipend payments
Be willing to commit to the full duration of the chosen program
Select a training center and course aligned with career interests

No prior educational qualification is required for the Short-Term Certificate program, making it accessible to all Nigerians regardless of their academic background. The program emphasizes practical skills over paper qualifications, focusing on competencies that lead to immediate employment or entrepreneurship opportunities.

How to Apply for the TVET Programme

Interested Nigerian youth can apply for the TVET Initiative through a straightforward online process:

Visit the official portal at tvet.education.gov.ng
Create an account using your NIN and personal details
Complete the registration form with accurate information matching your identification documents
Select your preferred training program (STC or VEI)
Choose a training center from the list of accredited institutions in your area
Submit your application at no cost (the program is completely free)
Wait for confirmation and admission notification

After successful registration, admitted candidates will receive details about training commencement, orientation schedules, and payment arrangements for their monthly stipends.

Government’s Strategic Investment in Youth Skills

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphasized the government’s commitment to youth empowerment through practical skills development. The rapid rollout of payments reflects presidential directives to invest aggressively in Nigerian youth as the fastest route to job creation, entrepreneurship, and national economic growth.

The TVET Initiative forms a core component of the Renewed Hope Agenda, demonstrating the administration’s belief that equipping young people with in-demand practical skills will drive productivity and economic transformation. The program’s long-term sustainability is assured through scheduled payment tranches, with additional disbursements planned in subsequent months as more trainees complete registration and commence training.

Post-Training Support and Certification

Beyond monthly stipends during training, TVET graduates receive comprehensive post-training support including:

National Skills Qualification (NSQ) certification issued by the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB)
Access to starter kits and business grants for entrepreneurship
Single-digit loans from the Bank of Industry (BOI) for business establishment
Onboarding on online job matching platforms connecting graduates with employers
Continued mentorship through the artisan-led model across 38 upgraded technical colleges

These post-graduation benefits ensure trainees can successfully transition from skills acquisition to productive employment or sustainable business ventures, maximizing the program’s impact on unemployment reduction.

Impact and Success Metrics

The TVET Initiative has demonstrated remarkable growth and success within its first seven months of operation. Participation in entrance examinations increased dramatically from 7,547 candidates in 2024 to 30,000 in 2025, representing nearly 300% growth. This surge indicates strong youth interest in vocational education and the program’s growing credibility.

With over 42,000 trainees now receiving stipends and actively engaged in hands-on training across six geopolitical zones, the initiative is creating pathways for thousands of young Nigerians to develop marketable skills. The program aims to train millions by 2030, positioning itself as a transformative intervention in Nigeria’s education and employment landscape.

Training Centers and Locations

TVET training takes place at accredited institutions distributed across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, ensuring accessibility for participants from all regions. Training centers include federal technical colleges, state vocational institutes, and registered private training centers that meet NBTE quality standards.

The 600-plus independent training centers receiving government payments represent diverse specializations, from ICT and digital skills to agriculture, construction trades, and hospitality services. This geographic and sectoral diversity allows trainees to choose training locations convenient to their residence and courses aligned with local economic opportunities.

Quality Assurance and Monitoring

The National Board for Technical Education maintains strict oversight of the TVET Initiative to ensure quality and accountability. Training centers must demonstrate essential physical facilities including workshops, equipment, and qualified instructors or master craftspersons. Regular assessments verify that curriculum delivery meets NSQ standards and that trainees acquire competencies matching industry requirements.

The payment system itself serves as a quality assurance mechanism. Training centers receive instructional payments based on active student enrollment and training delivery, incentivizing high retention rates and effective teaching. This performance-based funding model ensures government resources translate directly into quality training outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much is the TVET monthly stipend for trainees?

Each registered TVET trainee receives ₦22,500 monthly to cover transportation and upkeep expenses throughout their training period.

2. Do I need a university degree to apply for TVET?

No, the Short-Term Certificate program requires only a valid NIN and BVN. The program is open to all Nigerians regardless of educational background.

3. Is the TVET program free of charge?

Yes, the entire TVET program is completely free including tuition, training, and certification. Trainees also receive monthly stipends during training.

4. How long does TVET training last?

Training duration depends on the program: six months for the Short-Term Certificate (STC) program and one year for the Vocational Education & Innovation (VEI) program.

5. What happens after I complete TVET training?

Graduates receive NSQ certification, access to starter grants, single-digit loans from the Bank of Industry, and connections to job opportunities through placement platforms.

6. When will the next payment tranche be released?

The government has committed to sustained regular payments with additional tranches scheduled in coming months as the program expands and more trainees complete registration.

7. Can I still apply for TVET if I missed the first batch?

Yes, the TVET application portal remains open for new registrations. Visit tvet.education.gov.ng to submit your application and join upcoming training cohorts.

External Resources

For more information about government youth empowerment programs and vocational training opportunities, visit the Federal Ministry of Education official website.