Technical College Enrollment Jumps from 7,547 to 30,000 After FG Introduces N30,000 Monthly Stipend

Enrollment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes across Nigeria has seen a dramatic rise following the Federal Government’s introduction of a N30,000 monthly stipend for students. According to figures released by the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), candidate numbers for TVET entrance exams surged from 7,547 in 2024 to 30,000 in 2025.

Dr. Mohammed Mohammed, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NABTEB, revealed this while monitoring the examinations at the Federal Science and Technical College (FSTC) in Uromi, Edo State. Represented by NABTEB’s Director of Research and Quality Assurance, Pius Osaigbovo, he credited the 300 percent increase in enrolment to new federal incentives aimed at promoting technical education.

The Federal Government’s incentives for TVET students include a monthly stipend of N30,000, free tuition, accommodation, and feeding in selected institutions. Additional support includes startup grants and access to business loans, aimed at fostering entrepreneurship among graduates.

Dr. Mohammed stated that the government’s goal is to equip Nigerians with practical, relevant skills that not only enable self-reliance but also empower individuals to become employers. Students completing the programme will receive dual certification: the traditional National Technical or Business Certificate (NTC/NBC) and the competency-based National Skills Qualification (NSQ).

He added that the three-year TVET programme will emphasize practical training, with 80 percent technical content and 20 percent theory. Expressing satisfaction with the increasing interest in vocational education, Dr. Mohammed described the conduct of the examinations as smooth and successful. Only candidates who completed their registration before the June 12 deadline were allowed to participate.