FG to introduce monthly stipends, starter packs, take off grants to expand TVET

The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad has disclosed that in an effort to expand its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) agenda, the ministry is set to introduce incentives to attract young Nigerians with payment of monthly stipends, starter packs and payments of take-off grants. Ahmad who disclosed this during the […]

The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad has disclosed that in an effort to expand its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) agenda, the ministry is set to introduce incentives to attract young Nigerians with payment of monthly stipends, starter packs and payments of take-off grants.

Ahmad who disclosed this during the commissioning of the Community and Education Centre at Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom, recently said in line with this, President Bola Ahmed Tinibu, approved the release of N120 Billion to advance the TVET agenda of the Ministry of Education.

“Over the next two years, the Federal Government aims to empower at least 650,000 youths with technical, vocational, and digital skills required to meet the emerging industrial and labour needs,” she said.

The Minister said the Education Centre will serve multiple purposes as a place of learning, as a hub for skills acquisition, digital literacy, adult education, and youth empowerment.

“It is aligned with the Federal Ministry of Education’s strategic goals to increase access to quality education, bridge the digital divide, and foster inclusive learning opportunities for all.”

While noting that they are keenly aware of the challenges facing education in Nigeria, from inadequate infrastructure to low enrolment and retention in rural areas, especially for the girl-child, she said, “We remain undeterred. 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.”

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult & Non-Formal Education, Simon Ibor Akpama said the Community Learning Centre encapsulates the proactive response of present administration to eradicating illiteracy, promoting quality inclusive education and providing dynamic and viable economic empowerment avenues for vulnerable youths across Nigeria.

He said: “Embedded in its curriculum structure is a deliberate juxtaposition of a tripartite profile of Basic Literacy, Post Literacy, and Vocational Skills to empower the hitherto underserved youths and adults of Ikot Abasi extraction.

“This Centre will also bridge gaps and create a plethora of self-development conduits within the community. Through the ambience of this Community Learning Centre concept, there is Renewed Hope for our Out-of-School children, youths and adults who must be extricated from the ravages of street life and returned to Non-Formal Education settings.”

He said the essence is for the learners to acquire extant knowledge and skills for self-improvement and optimally contribute their quota to national development.

He urged the people, especially the core beneficiaries of this project, to make optimal use of the facilities and protect the same against vandalism.