FG Opens Application for Second Cohort of TVET Programme to Tackle Unemployment

The Federal Government has officially opened applications for the second cohort of the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme, a nationwide skills development initiative designed to tackle unemployment, promote entrepreneurship, and strengthen Nigeria’s technical and vocational education system.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who confirmed that the application portal went live on Monday at 4:00 pm (WAT), urging Nigerians across all age groups to take advantage of the opportunity.

He described the initiative as a key component of the government’s broader human capital development strategy, aimed at equipping citizens with practical, industry-relevant skills that can drive job creation and economic productivity.

Alausa noted that the first phase of the programme recorded massive nationwide participation, with over 1.3 million applications, describing it as evidence of strong demand for vocational training and skills acquisition in Nigeria.

He added that the government remains committed to expanding access to hands-on technical education as part of efforts to reduce unemployment and encourage self-reliance.

TVET Programme Structure: Two Training Tracks

According to official details, the programme is divided into two major pathways:

The Short-Term Certificate Track runs for six months and is designed for beginners seeking foundational technical and vocational skills.

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The Vocational Education and Innovation Track runs for one year and targets individuals with prior informal experience or basic educational background, offering more advanced training in specialised fields.

Both tracks are fully funded and include practical learning delivered through accredited centres across Nigeria.

Eligibility Requirements and Application Process

Applicants are required to have a valid National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) to complete registration.

Candidates applying for the advanced track may also be required to provide proof of prior learning or relevant educational qualifications.

The application process is open to Nigerians nationwide, with training centres spread across federal and state technical colleges as well as accredited private institutions.

Benefits of the TVET Programme

Participants in the programme will enjoy several benefits, including:

• Fully funded free tuition under the Federal Government
• Monthly training stipends to support participants
• Practical, hands-on instruction in selected skill areas
• Nationally recognised certification upon completion
• Access to start-up support and small business financing opportunities

Skills and Training Areas Covered

The programme covers a wide range of high-demand sectors, including:

• Electrical installation and maintenance
• Welding and fabrication
• Automobile repair and mechanical services
• Digital and creative media production
• Fashion design and tailoring
• Agriculture and agribusiness development
• Renewable energy technologies

Officials say the curriculum is designed to align with Nigeria’s growing need for skilled manpower in both industrial and emerging sectors.

FG Push for Skills-Based Economy

The Federal Government says the TVET initiative is part of ongoing reforms aimed at transitioning Nigeria toward a more skills-driven and production-based economy.

It is also expected to reduce dependence on white-collar jobs by encouraging young Nigerians to embrace entrepreneurship, technical innovation, and self-employment.

With training centres located across all six geopolitical zones, the programme is positioned as one of the government’s largest national efforts to expand access to vocational and technical education in Nigeria.

FG Opens Application for Second Cohort of TVET Programme to Tackle Unemployment

INEC: Chairman Joash Amupitan Has No X Account, Warns Against Fake Posts

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified that its Chairman, Joash Amupitan, does not operate any personal account on X (formerly Twitter), distancing him from controversial posts circulating online and allegedly linked to an impersonation account.

INEC’s clarification was reinforced by its ICT Director, Lawrence Bayode, during an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, where he confirmed that the commission had already issued an official statement addressing the issue.

Bayode stated that any content circulating under accounts claiming to represent the INEC chairman should be disregarded, stressing that such accounts are not recognised by the commission.

“Based on the official statement issued by the commission, the chairman does not maintain any personal X account. Any content attributed to such an account is not recognised by the commission as originating from him,” he said.

He explained that the controversy highlights a broader challenge of digital impersonation and misinformation, warning that false online identities can easily be used to mislead the public and damage trust in national institutions, particularly during sensitive political periods.

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According to him, INEC’s priority is to safeguard electoral integrity by ensuring that only verified and official communication channels are used for public information.

“And for me, this is not about an individual; this is about how digital impersonation and misinformation can target public institutions,” he added, emphasising the need for vigilance among citizens and media organisations.

INEC reiterated that the chairman’s official communications are released strictly through institutional platforms, including verified press statements, official briefings, and the commission’s corporate social media handles.

The clarification comes amid controversy over resurfaced posts attributed to a now-disputed X account allegedly linked to the INEC chairman. The commission insists the account is fake and should not be associated with its leadership.

INEC also urged Nigerians to verify information before sharing, warning that the spread of fake accounts and false statements could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

The commission further called on social media platforms to strengthen measures against impersonation accounts, particularly those targeting high-ranking public officials and sensitive democratic institutions.

As political discussions intensify ahead of future elections, INEC said it remains committed to transparency, neutrality, and protecting the integrity of electoral communication in Nigeria.

INEC: Chairman Joash Amupitan Has No X Account, Warns Against Fake Posts

Tinubu Aide Defends Early INEC Statement Release on Amupitan Controversy

A presidential media aide, Dada Olusegun, has defended his decision to circulate a statement clearing the embattled Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, hours before it was officially released by the commission, saying his action falls within his responsibility to communicate government activities.

The controversy began after Olusegun posted on X (formerly Twitter) at about 8:12 pm on April 10, sharing a statement denying allegations that Amupitan had links to pro-government or pro-APC political activity during the 2023 general elections.

However, INEC reportedly published the same statement on its official platform the following day at about 6:16 pm on April 11, a timing gap that triggered public debate and questions about coordination between the presidency and the electoral body.

The development immediately sparked concerns online, with critics questioning why a presidential aide would publish a statement involving an independent institution before the commission itself, raising renewed discussions about the independence of INEC and institutional communication protocols.

Reacting to the backlash, Olusegun dismissed suggestions of wrongdoing, insisting that there was no conspiracy and that the similarity in messaging should not be misinterpreted.

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“It is important to separate coincidence in messaging from conspiracy,” he wrote on X, adding that public institutions often respond to issues already in the public domain and that his post did not influence INEC’s official communication.

He further clarified that he did not author the statement and has no authority over INEC’s internal processes, stressing that his role is limited to communicating and defending the policies and image of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

“My role remains what it has always been: to communicate, clarify, and propagate the good works of President Tinubu’s administration responsibly,” he said.

Despite his explanation, the incident triggered widespread reactions on social media, with users questioning the timing of the publications and alleging possible coordination between the presidency and the electoral body.

Some commenters argued that the early release of the statement by a presidential aide could create public perception issues regarding electoral credibility in Nigeria, while others insisted it reflected deeper concerns about institutional independence.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has not issued any further clarification beyond its earlier denial of allegations linking its chairman to partisan political activity during the 2023 elections.

INEC has consistently maintained that its leadership remains neutral and that claims suggesting political bias are false and capable of undermining public trust in the electoral process.

The controversy has further fueled national debate over the boundaries between government communication, political messaging, and the independence of key democratic institutions in Nigeria, particularly ahead of future elections.

Observers say the incident highlights the increasing sensitivity of official communication in the digital era, where timing and perception can significantly shape public trust in institutions.

Tinubu Aide Defends Early INEC Statement Release on Amupitan Controversy