The Federal Ministry of Education (FME) has reopened applications for the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Initiative. Reports describe this as Cohort 3 (Batch C), with registration starting on about 30 October 2026. Selected Nigerians get free hands-on training in a trade, a monthly stipend, a recognised certificate, and starter packs to start work or a business after graduating.
You don’t need any school certificate for the six-month track. A valid NIN and BVN are enough.
Deadline: no closing date has been published, so register as early as you can.
At a Glance
| Organiser | Federal Ministry of Education (FME), Nigeria |
| Programme | FME TVET Initiative, Cohort 3 (2026/2027) |
| Who can apply | Nigerians with a valid NIN and BVN, or a basic or informal certificate, depending on the track |
| Tracks | Short-Term Certificate (6 months) · Vocational Education and Innovation (1 year) |
| Cost | Free. Tuition is paid by the Federal Government through NELFund. |
| Stipend | Monthly. Reports give ₦22,500 to ₦30,000 (see below). |
| Where | Accredited centres in all six geopolitical zones |
| Deadline | Not published. Apply early. |
The Two Training Tracks
1. Short-Term Certificate (STC): 6 months
For first-time trainees, school leavers, and people with no formal education.
- A valid National Identification Number (NIN)
- A valid Bank Verification Number (BVN)
- No educational qualification needed
2. Vocational Education and Innovation (VEI): 1 year
For people with some education or informal training who want to deepen and formalise their skills. You need any one of these:
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): proof of skills learned informally or through an apprenticeship
- A First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC)
- Any non-formal education certificate, for example from an NGO, a religious institution, nomadic education or a community programme
Trades You Can Learn
The official portal lists these trades, among others:
- Electrical Installation · Solar PV Installation and Maintenance · Network System Installation
- Welding and Fabrication · Blacksmithing · Plumbing and Pipe-fitting
- Bricklaying, Blocklaying and Concreting · Floor Cladding and Tiling · Painting and Decoration
- Woodwork, Carpentry and Joinery · Furniture Making and Upholstery
- Automobile Mechanic · Auto-body Works (Panel Beating) · Automobile CNG Conversion · Motorcycle and Tricycle Repair · Vulcanising
- Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning · Computer Hardware and GSM Repair
- Social Media Communications · Creative Media (Digital Media Production)
- Fashion Design and Garment Making · Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology · Hospitality
- Mechanised Agriculture · Livestock Farming (beekeeping, poultry and animal husbandry)
Benefits
- Free tuition, paid directly by the Federal Government through NELFund
- A monthly stipend throughout training
- Hands-on training led by industry professionals
- A nationally recognised certificate
- Take-off grants or starter packs when you graduate
- Access to top-up business loans at single-digit interest
- A place on an employment portal that connects graduates with employers. The Ministry says jobs aren’t guaranteed.
How much is the stipend?
The official portal only says trainees get “monthly stipends” and doesn’t give an amount. Earlier cohorts and several current reports put it at ₦22,500 a month (₦17,500 for upkeep plus ₦5,000 for transport), while some reports on Cohort 3 say up to ₦30,000. Reports also say the stipend is only paid to trainees who meet strict attendance rules, checked with biometric tracking. Treat the amount as unconfirmed until the Ministry announces it.
Eligibility
- You must be Nigerian, with a valid NIN and BVN.
- You must meet the entry requirement for your track: none for STC, or RPL, FSLC or a non-formal certificate for VEI.
- You must be able to attend full-time at your chosen centre. Attendance affects your stipend.
- The portal’s FAQ says anyone with the required documents for STC or VEI can apply.
How to Apply
- Go to the official portal: tvet.education.gov.ng (link below).
- Click Apply Now and create an account with your phone number and email.
- Choose your track: STC (6 months) or VEI (1 year).
- Fill in your details and upload your documents: NIN and BVN, plus your certificate if you’re applying for VEI.
- Choose your trade and a training centre near where you live.
- Check your details and submit, then wait for confirmation.
Apply on the official FME TVET portal
Support: [email protected]
Beware of scams: the training is free. Don’t pay anyone to “register” you or to “guarantee” a place. Apply only on the official .gov.ng portal.
Tips
- Make sure your NIN and BVN details match, including your name spelling and date of birth, before you start.
- Choose a centre close to home. You’ll need to attend every day, and the stipend depends on attendance.
- Pick a trade with demand where you live. Solar installation, electrical, phone repair and fashion design all have strong local markets.
- Keep your login details safe so you can check your application status later.
