By Chioma Favour
The Federal Government has commended Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for expanding technical and vocational education in the state following the graduation of about 3,000 trainees from nine Vocational Enterprise Institutes and Centres.
The commendation came from the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, who described the initiative as an important step toward equipping young Nigerians with practical and employable skills.
According to the minister, the graduates were provided with starter packs for their respective trades as well as a ₦100,000 entrepreneurship grant to help them begin small businesses and contribute to local economic activities.
Alausa noted that the programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises youth empowerment, job creation, and economic inclusion through skills development.
He explained that the Federal Government is currently implementing a nationwide Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme designed to expand access to practical training opportunities across Nigeria.
The minister said the programme currently offers about 250,000 training opportunities, with more than 180,000 young Nigerians already undergoing training in centres across the country.
He added that the TVET training model focuses primarily on hands-on learning, with 80 percent practical training and 20 percent theoretical instruction.
Alausa also disclosed that the Federal Government is developing a national TVET job portal aimed at connecting skilled graduates with industries while supporting artisans with starter packs and access to single-digit loans to help them establish businesses.
He encouraged other state governments to emulate Borno’s efforts, noting that technical and vocational skills remain critical to the future of work and Nigeria’s economic growth.Speaking during the graduation ceremony in Borno, Governor Zulum described the programme as part of the state’s broader strategy to empower young people and rebuild livelihoods affected by years of insurgency.
He said the initiative is designed to restore dignity and create sustainable economic opportunities for youth and vulnerable groups across the state.
Zulum highlighted the establishment and revitalisation of vocational centres in communities including Muna, Mafa, Biu, Shani, and Magumeri, alongside the creation of Second Chance Skills Entrepreneurship Schools for women and girls.
According to the governor, the state government invested about ₦30 billion in TVET facilities and mobilised over ₦2.05 billion with development partners, including the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), AGILE project, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).Each beneficiary, he said, received training support, starter packs, and a ₦100,000 startup grant to help them transition into entrepreneurship.
The Borno State Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Abba Wakilbe, described the programme as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to building a skilled workforce while reducing the number of out-of-school youths.
The Federal Ministry of Education reiterated its commitment to partnering with state governments and development organisations to expand access to technical and vocational education, noting that sustained investment in skills development remains vital for youth empowerment and national development.
