By Gabriel Ameh
The Federal Ministry of Education has fully implemented biometric attendance verification across all centres participating in the Federal Government’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Programme, linking payments strictly to verified records.
This was contained in a sta statement signed by Boriowo Folasade
Director, Press & Public Relations
Federal Ministry of Education THE
According to the statement, the enforcement, effective February 1, 2026, follows a circular issued in December 2025, directing all TVET centres to install biometric systems for real-time attendance monitoring. The Ministry clarified that biometric verification is now the only accepted method for validating attendance under the programme.
As a result:
Payments to TVET centres and monthly stipends to trainees will only be processed based on verified biometric records.
Non-compliant centres risk losing funding, and their trainees will forfeit stipends.
Trainees from non-compliant centres may be redeployed to centres that meet the requirements.
The Ministry emphasised that mandatory compliance safeguards public funds and ensures programme benefits reach their intended recipients.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government continues to welcome new TVET centres interested in joining the programme. Prospective centres must be accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). Applications can be submitted via the NBTE TVET portal: https://www.digitalnbte.nbte.gov.ng/TVET/TVETApplication2
Students are also advised to verify that their training centres comply with the biometric requirement to avoid disruptions in stipend payments. Complaints or assistance requests can be submitted through the official TVET support platform on the portal.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the deployment of public resources, ensuring the TVET Programme continues to empower Nigerian youth and contribute to national development.
