FG begins disbursement of N22,500 TVET stipends to 42,000 students

From Fred Ezeh, Abuja

The Federal Government has commenced the disbursement of N22,500 stipend to over 42,000 students in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres across the country to cover their monthly upkeep and transportation. 

The government said the move signalled the commencement of the first tranche of direct financial payment to students and other independent technical and vocational centres nationwide.

It explained that the first phase of disbursement was designed to ensure that the training ecosystem is fully supported, and that students can fully focus on acquiring their skills.

This was contained in a statement by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, in Abuja, on Thursday.

She disclosed that over 600 independent technical and vocational training centres have also received payments for instructional and skills training they are providing to the students, ensuring the quality and continuity of the training programmes.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the rapid commencement of payments under the TVET Initiative is a clear execution of the President’s directive to invest aggressively in the young people.

He said: “President Tinubu believes that equipping our youth with in-demand, practical skills is the fastest way to drive job creation, entrepreneurship, and national economic growth.”

The Minister further noted that since its commencement in May, the TVET initiative has rapidly moved from registration to practical training, with students having already begun their intensive vocational courses. Hence, the timely release of these funds is critical to sustaining the momentum.