The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to repositioning Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a central pillar of Nigeria’s economic transformation, with over 150,000 Nigerians currently undergoing skills training nationwide.
Speaking at the National TVET Conference 2026 in Lagos, the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, stated that the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu is leveraging the Renewed Hope Agenda to drive a shift toward a skills-based economy focused on productivity, industrial growth, and job creation.
Alausa noted that with nearly five million young Nigerians entering the labor market annually, the need for industry-relevant skills has become increasingly urgent.
He explained that ongoing reforms under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative are strengthening the National Skills Qualification Framework, improving quality assurance, and expanding competency-based training across the country.
According to the Minister, more than 150,000 trainees are currently enrolled in over 1,600 accredited centers nationwide, supported by trained instructors and quality assurance personnel to ensure standardization and employability.
He added that the next phase of implementation would prioritize improved quality, stronger private-sector collaboration, and expanded linkages between training institutions and the labor market.
He also identified emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, robotics, renewable energy, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing as critical to future job creation.
Also delivering remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding technical colleges and aligning training outcomes with labor market needs.
International partners, including representatives from Switzerland and Germany, commended Nigeria’s progress in TVET reforms, emphasizing the importance of demand-driven skills development and industry participation.