The Federal Ministry of Education (FME) has invited applications for the second cohort of the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Program that would provide young Nigerians with the opportunity to receive free skills training and a monthly stipend that will help them on their educational path.
If you want to get hands-on, industry-relevant skills without paying tuition, this program offers a systematic approach to employment and business. Here’s what you need to know about the Cohort 2 application, eligibility requirements and stipend structure.
Also see:Skill RESET Nigeria 2026: Free Digital Skills Training Application
Quick Summary of FME TVET Initiative Cohort 2 Programme 2026/2027
| Programme Organizer | Federal Ministry of Education (FME) |
| Category | Government Grants / Opportunities |
| Type | Training |
| Programme title | FME TVET Initiative Cohort 2 Programme |
| Location | Nationwide, Nigeria |
| Benefits: | ₦30,000 Stipend, Starter pack, grants |
| Application Deadline | Not stated |
What Is the FME TVET Initiative?
The Federal Ministry of Education Technical and Vocational Education and Training Initiative is a Federal Government program aimed at improving technical education and vocational skills development in Nigeria.
The program will emphasize practical training that prepares participants for jobs and entrepreneurship rather than classroom learning alone.
The initiative offers Nigerians the opportunity to acquire practical skills in many sectors of the economy through partnerships with accredited training centers across the country.
The major objectives of the initiative include:
- Reducing unemployment by equipping Nigerians with employable skills.
- Addressing the shortage of skilled technical workers across different industries.
- Promoting self-employment and entrepreneurship.
- Improving access to quality vocational education.
- Supporting young Nigerians who want to establish their own businesses.
- Developing a skilled workforce that can contribute to national economic growth.
One of the programme’s major attractions is that eligible participants receive free tuition and monthly stipends throughout their training, subject to programme requirements.
FME TVET Initiative 2026/2027 Benefits
The Federal Government TVET Initiative provides several benefits to successful applicants.
Here are the major benefits participants can expect.
1. Free Vocational Training
Successful participants receive tuition-free vocational education through accredited training centres.
The Federal Government funds the tuition through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), allowing trainees to acquire practical skills without paying tuition fees.
2. ₦30,000 Monthly Stipend
One of the most attractive features of the programme is the monthly financial stipend.
Eligible trainees receive a monthly allowance of ₦30,000 during their training period.
The stipend is intended to provide financial support while participants attend their vocational classes and acquire practical skills.
However, participants must comply with the programme’s attendance and verification requirements to remain eligible for payments.
3. Recognised Certification
Participants who successfully complete their training receive recognised certification.
The certificate can help graduates demonstrate their acquired skills when applying for employment or establishing businesses.
4. Business Starter Packs
The programme also provides for starter packs to support eligible graduates after completing their vocational training.
These starter packs are intended to help successful participants establish small businesses and begin offering services using the skills they have acquired.
5. Access to Business Loans
Graduates may also have access to top-up business loans at single-digit interest rates, subject to the applicable programme conditions and approval requirements.
This support is designed to help participants who want to expand their vocational skills into sustainable businesses.
6. Employment Opportunities
The programme provides career guidance and employment support to graduates.
Successful trainees can gain exposure to potential employers through employment support arrangements and relevant placement opportunities.
Although the initiative is designed to improve employment prospects, completing the training does not guarantee automatic employment.
FME TVET Initiative Training Programmes
The official TVET portal provides two major training pathways. Applicants can select the programme that best matches their educational background and previous experience.
1. Short-Term Certificate (STC) Programme
The Short-Term Certificate programme is designed for individuals who want to acquire vocational skills within a relatively short period.
The programme lasts for six months and is particularly suitable for beginners, school leavers and people without formal educational qualifications.
You do not need a previous vocational certificate or advanced educational qualification to apply for this pathway.
Entry requirements:
- Valid National Identification Number (NIN).
- Valid Bank Verification Number (BVN).
This pathway provides an opportunity for Nigerians who have not completed formal education to acquire practical skills and improve their employment prospects.
2. Vocational Education and Innovation (VEI) Programme
The Vocational Education and Innovation programme is designed for individuals with some educational background, informal training experience or previously acquired vocational skills.
The programme lasts for one year.
It provides an opportunity for participants to improve their existing abilities, receive structured vocational education and obtain formal recognition of their skills.
Entry requirements:
Applicants must possess at least one of the following:
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which provides evidence of skills acquired through apprenticeship or informal training.
- First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC).
- A certificate from a non-formal education programme, such as training provided by NGOs, religious institutions, nomadic education or community-based organisations.
Applicants should also have the identification details required for registration.
List of Available Courses Under the FME TVET Initiative
The programme covers several vocational and technical fields.
According to the official TVET portal, applicants can explore the following training options:
- Electrical Installation
- Welding and Fabrication
- Painting, Decoration and Finishes (Interior Design)
- Floor Cladding, Tiling and Interlocking
- Bricklaying, Blocklaying and Concreting
- Network System Installation
- Computer Hardware and GSM Repair and Maintenance
- Social Media Communications
- Creative Media (Digital Media Production)
- Motorcycle and Tricycle Repair
- Vulcanising and Tyre Repair
- Auto-body Works (Panel Beating)
- Automobile Mechanic
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
- Plumbing and Pipe-fitting
- Woodwork, Carpentry and Joinery
- Furniture Making and Upholstery
- Blacksmithing
- Solar PV Installation and Maintenance
- Automobile CNG Conversion and Maintenance
- Mechanised Agriculture
- Livestock Farming, including Beekeeping, Poultry and Animal Husbandry
- Fashion Design and Garment Making
- Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology
- Hospitality Training
These courses cover different sectors, including construction, engineering, agriculture, information technology, automobile maintenance, renewable energy, creative industries and personal services.
Applicants are encouraged to select a vocational course that matches their interests, career goals and business plans.
The availability of individual courses may depend on the accredited training centres participating in the programme.
FME TVET Initiative Eligibility Requirements 2026/2027
The eligibility requirements depend on the training pathway selected by the applicant.
For the Short-Term Certificate (STC) Programme:
Applicants must have:
- A valid National Identification Number.
- A valid Bank Verification Number.
There is no requirement for previous formal educational qualifications.
For the Vocational Education and Innovation (VEI) Programme:
Applicants must possess at least one of the following:
- Recognition of Prior Learning.
- First School Leaving Certificate.
- A certificate from a non-formal education programme.
Applicants should ensure that their information is accurate and that they can provide the required documents during registration.
How to Apply for the FME TVET Initiative 2026/2027
Interested Nigerians can apply through the official Federal Government TVET registration portal.
Follow the steps below to complete your application.
Step 1: Visit the Official Application Portal
Go to the Federal Ministry of Education TVET website:
Step 2: Create an Account
Locate the registration option on the website and create an account using the information requested by the portal.
Make sure you provide an active phone number and accurate personal details.
Step 3: Select Your Preferred Training Programme
Choose the training pathway that matches your qualifications and experience.
The available options are:
- Short-Term Certificate (STC) Programme.
- Vocational Education and Innovation (VEI) Programme.
Step 4: Complete Your Application Details
Fill in the required information on the registration form.
Ensure that your personal information, identification details and contact information are correct.
Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents
Provide the documents required for your selected programme.
Applicants for the STC programme should have their valid NIN and BVN details available.
Applicants for the VEI programme should provide the relevant educational or prior-learning certificates.
Step 6: Select Your Preferred Vocational Course
Choose the vocational skill you want to acquire from the available training options.
Consider selecting a skill that offers good employment or business opportunities in your area.
Step 7: Select Your Preferred Training Centre
The programme works with certified training centres across Nigeria.
You can select your preferred accredited training centre from the available options on the portal.
Training centres include federal and state technical colleges, state-owned accredited institutions and registered private vocational centres.
Step 8: Review and Submit Your Application
Before submitting your application, review all the information you have provided.
Correct any mistakes and ensure that all required documents have been uploaded.
Submit your application and monitor the portal for updates concerning your registration and selection.
Also see:Google Free Digital Skills Training for Africans 2026/2027 | Register Online
Where Will the TVET Training Take Place?
The Federal Government TVET Initiative operates through accredited vocational training institutions across Nigeria.
According to the official portal, training opportunities are available across all six geopolitical zones.
Participating institutions include:
- Federal Technical Colleges.
- State Technical Colleges.
- State-owned accredited institutions.
- Registered private vocational centres.
This nationwide arrangement is intended to make technical and vocational education more accessible to Nigerians in different locations.
Applicants should check the available training centres on the official portal before selecting their preferred institution.
Important Information About TVET Attendance and Stipend Payments
The program offers a monthly stipend, but applicants should be aware that there are prerequisites for participation and attendance.
The Federal Ministry of Education has made it mandatory for all participating TVET centers to use biometrics to verify attendance.
According to policy, trainee stipend payments are conducted based on the validated biometric attendance records.
Checking Your Application Status
After submitting your application, you can check your status by visiting the portal, logging in with your email and password, and checking your dashboard. If your assigned centre shows “N/A,” it means a training centre has not yet been allocated to you, check back later
Is the FME TVET Application Free?
Yes. The programme provides tuition-free vocational training for eligible participants.
FME TVET Initiative 2026/2027 Application Deadline
Applicants should check the official TVET portal for the registration deadline and any updates concerning the relevant cohort.
The application deadline and availability of registration places may change depending on the programme’s recruitment schedule.
Also see:Don Jazzy Tech Scholarship 2026/2027 TS Academy: Apply for 100% Tuition Scholarship
Final Information for Interested Applicants
The Federal Ministry of Education TVET Initiative would give Nigerians the chance to learn practical vocational skills, get tuition-free training and boost their prospects of getting a job or starting a business.
The program runs two training streams, some vocational courses and licensed training centers throughout the country, providing chances to persons from varied educational backgrounds.
If you are interested in joining, please visit the official application page, check the eligibility conditions and follow the registration procedures.
FME TVET Official Application Portal 2026