The Federal Government has praised the Governor of Borno, Babagana Umara Zulum for strengthening technical and vocational education across Borno State, describing the initiative as a practical approach to youth empowerment and economic recovery.
The commendation followed the graduation of about 3,000 trainees from nine Vocational Enterprise Institutes and training centres established in the state. According to the government, the programme represents a deliberate effort to equip young Nigerians with marketable skills that can improve their employment prospects and support local economic activity.
In a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, described the initiative as a meaningful step towards building a skilled workforce in Nigeria.
“This initiative by Governor Zulum is a major step toward empowering young Nigerians with practical and employable skills,” the minister said.
The programme does not only provide training but also includes support measures designed to help graduates begin productive economic activities. Beneficiaries were given starter packs along with a grant of N100,000 each to help them establish small businesses or begin independent work after completing their training.
Officials explained that the approach reflects a broader shift in policy towards practical education and job oriented training. Instead of focusing solely on academic qualifications, the initiative emphasises skills that directly match labour market needs. The vocational institutes offer training in areas such as information technology, plumbing, construction, welding, tailoring and other artisan trades.
The minister noted that the effort in Borno aligns with the wider economic and social priorities of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Under the government’s development strategy, technical and vocational education is expected to play a key role in addressing youth unemployment and strengthening economic inclusion.
According to him, the Federal Government is implementing a nationwide Technical and Vocational Education and Training programme designed to create about 250,000 training opportunities for young Nigerians. Current estimates indicate that more than 180,000 young people are already receiving training in various centres across the country.
Alausa explained that the training model gives priority to practical instruction. He stated that the programme allocates 80 percent of training time to hands on learning and 20 percent to theoretical instruction. This structure is intended to ensure that participants develop practical competence and skills relevant to industry needs.
“The model emphasises 80 per cent practical training and 20 per cent theoretical instruction to ensure trainees acquire hands on experience that meets industry needs,” he said.
To further strengthen the programme, the government is also developing a national Technical and Vocational Education job portal. The digital platform will link trained artisans and graduates to potential employers while providing access to starter packs, financing opportunities and affordable loans.
Authorities believe the expansion of vocational education could significantly reduce youth unemployment and stimulate small business development, particularly in regions recovering from conflict and economic disruption.
For Borno State, which has experienced years of insurgency and economic dislocation, the focus on technical training is viewed as a strategy for rebuilding livelihoods and restoring economic stability. By providing practical skills and startup support, policymakers expect the initiative to create a pathway for thousands of young people to become self reliant and contribute to local development.
Overall, the Federal Government maintains that expanding vocational and technical education remains central to Nigeria’s long term economic growth and human capital development strategy.
