The Federal Government has announced plans to provide starter packs to graduates of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes across the country, as part of efforts to promote skills development, entrepreneurship, and youth employability.
Deputy Minister of Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, made this known on Monday during an inspection visit to Bayero University, Kano (BUK), where she assessed ongoing vocational training projects supported by the ministry. She explained that the initiative is aimed at ensuring that beneficiaries of TVET programmes become self-reliant, job creators, and active contributors to national economic growth.
Ahmad noted that the distribution of starter packs would complement President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to tackling unemployment and closing the nation’s persistent skills gap.
“The administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to strengthening technical and vocational education because it remains a critical pathway to empowering young Nigerians. Providing starter packs will enable our youths to put their training into practical use immediately,” she said.
The minister commended President Tinubu for approving the programme, which covers over 25 vocational trades, including carpentry, leatherwork, tailoring, ICT, cosmetology, welding, solar installation, and other technical fields. She urged beneficiaries to seize the opportunity to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the nation’s development.
Ahmad also praised Bayero University, Kano, for its dedication to the success of the initiative, affirming that the Ministry of Education would continue partnering with institutions that promote innovation, productivity, and entrepreneurship.
In his remarks, BUK Vice-Chancellor, Professor Haruna Musa, described the programme as timely, noting that Nigeria continues to face challenges of low employability and slow economic growth due to inadequate skills among its youth population. He added that the initiative would equip young Nigerians with practical and entrepreneurial skills to enhance job creation and innovation.
Professor Musa encouraged participants to take full advantage of the training, urging them to become agents of positive change and productivity within their communities.