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Student Village Academy Forums VILLAGE POLITICS AND CURRENT AFFAIRS Local Politics FG Approves ₦120 Billion for Technical and Vocational Education Expansion

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      The Federal Government has approved the release of a staggering ₦120 billion to the Federal Ministry of Education for the expansion of its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative. This announcement was made on Thursday, April 18, 2025, during the commissioning of the Community and Education Centre at Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State.

      Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad, revealed that the presidential approval, granted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was a strategic move to strengthen technical and vocational capacity nationwide. Represented by Professor Leo Daniel, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Science and Technology, Ikot Abasi, the minister stressed the significance of the investment in the future of Nigerian youth.

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      Centre National de Qualification Professionnelle, CNPQ. ©Sylvain Cherkaoui

      “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the release of ₦120 billion to advance the TVET agenda of the Ministry of Education,” Ahmad said.

      She explained that over the next two years, the federal government aims to empower at least 650,000 youths with practical technical, vocational, and digital skills, equipping them for Nigeria’s growing industrial and labour needs.

      As part of this agenda, new incentive packages will be introduced to attract participation, including monthly stipends, starter packs, and take-off grants for beneficiaries. The aim, according to Prof. Ahmad, is not only to educate but to also provide a pathway to sustainable economic empowerment.

      The newly commissioned Community and Education Centre in Ikot Abasi is designed to operate as a multifunctional hub, facilitating skills acquisition, digital literacy, adult education, and youth empowerment.

      “This centre, which we commission today, is much more than bricks and mortar. It is a beacon of hope, a sanctuary for knowledge, and a foundation for the dreams of generations to come,” Ahmad emphasized.

      She added that the initiative is aligned with the Federal Ministry of Education’s strategic vision of expanding access to quality education, reducing the digital divide, and fostering inclusive learning opportunities for all citizens.

      The Minister acknowledged existing obstacles within Nigeria’s education sector, such as inadequate infrastructure, poor enrolment figures, and retention issues in rural communities, especially among girls. Nevertheless, she reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to overcoming these challenges:

      “We are keenly aware of the challenges facing education in our nation—from inadequate infrastructure to low enrolment and retention in rural areas, especially for the girl-child. However, we remain undeterred,” she stated.
      “Through partnerships with state governments, local communities, and development agencies, we are working tirelessly to close these gaps and ensure that no child is left behind.”

      Also speaking at the event, Professor Simon Akpama, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative. He praised President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the advancement of education, especially for underserved youth and adults.

      “This event underscores the importance our president accords to effective youth and adult literacy service delivery,” Prof. Akpama remarked.
      “In concert with our president’s avowed commitment to improve access to quality education in Nigeria, our visionary, diligent, indefatigable, and dynamic Honourable Ministers of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa and Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, graciously provided the requisite resources and conducive environment for the establishment of this community learning centre.”

      The Federal Government’s investment is widely seen as a critical step toward addressing youth unemployment, closing the skills gap, and revitalising Nigeria’s workforce through hands-on training and real-world competence.

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