FG Releases ₦120 Billion to Fund TVET Skills Training for Nigerian Youth Through NELFUND

In a bold move to strengthen Nigeria’s workforce and reduce youth unemployment, the Federal Government has approved the release of ₦120 billion from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). The funds will be used to implement a nationwide Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Education.

According to the ministry, the initiative is part of a long-term strategy to equip young Nigerians with job-ready, practical skills and drive inclusive economic growth.

“This move aims to empower Nigerian youth with practical, job-ready skills,” the ministry said in a statement.

TVET for the Future

Under the program, NELFUND will fully cover the training costs for all qualified participants, eliminating financial barriers and ensuring broad access to vocational education across the country. The funding will be disbursed directly to participants, streamlining the process and enhancing transparency.

The TVET program is expected to:

• Promote self-reliance through hands-on skill acquisition
• Prepare youth for employment in high-demand sectors
• Encourage entrepreneurship among Nigeria’s growing young population
• Address the persistent skills gap in the labor market

Training to Begin Soon

Sources close to the rollout have confirmed that official training sessions will commence shortly, with nationwide implementation planned.

This ₦120 billion investment marks one of the government’s largest commitments to vocational education to date, signaling a shift toward skills-based development as a key to tackling unemployment.

For MSMEs, employers, and development partners, this is a promising sign of Nigeria’s renewed focus on human capital development, paving the way for a more competitive and future-ready workforce. Thousands of Nigerian youths now have a fresh opportunity to access life-changing training, contribute meaningfully to the economy, and build sustainable livelihoods.