The Federal Government has commended the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for his administration’s commitment to expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), following the graduation of about 3,000 trainees from nine Vocational Enterprise Institutes and Centres across the State.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, described the initiative as a significant step toward empowering young Nigerians with practical and employable skills.
He noted that the graduates were supported with starter packs for their respective trades as well as a ₦100,000 entrepreneurship grant to enable them begin productive economic activities.
Alausa said the initiative reflects the growing national focus on skills development under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises youth empowerment and economic inclusion.
He explained that the Federal Government is currently implementing a nationwide Technical and Vocational Education and Training programme aimed at expanding access to practical skills across the country.
According to the Minister, the programme currently provides about 250,000 training opportunities, with more than 180,000 young Nigerians already undergoing training in thousands of centres nationwide.
He added that the training model emphasises hands-on learning with about 80 percent practical training and 20 percent theoretical instruction.
The Minister also disclosed that the Federal Government is developing a national TVET job portal designed to connect skilled graduates with industries while supporting new artisans with starter packs and access to single-digit loans to help them establish businesses.
He encouraged other state governments to emulate the progress recorded in Borno State, noting that technical and vocational skills remain central to the future of work and national development.
The commendation follows the graduation ceremony held in Borno State where the trainees successfully completed training across nine Vocational Enterprise Institutes and Centres and received tools and starter packs to support their transition into entrepreneurship.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Zulum described the programme as a major milestone in the state government’s effort to empower young people and rebuild livelihoods affected by years of insurgency.
He explained that the initiative forms part of broader efforts to restore dignity and create sustainable economic opportunities for youth and vulnerable groups across the state.
He highlighted the establishment and revitalisation of vocational centres in communities including Muna, Mafa, Biu, Shani and Magumeri, alongside Second Chance Skills Entrepreneurship Schools for women and girls.
Zulum disclosed that the state invested about ₦30 billion in TVET facilities and mobilised over ₦2.05 billion with partners including NBTE, UNDP, AGILE and IOM to provide starter packs and enterprise support, with each beneficiary receiving a ₦100,000 startup grant.
The Borno State Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Abba Wakilbe, said the initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to building a skilled workforce while reducing out-of-school youths and promoting self-reliance through practical skills.
The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with state governments and development partners to expand access to technical NI and vocational education, noting that sustained investment in skills development is vital for youth empowerment and national economic growth.
