The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has disclosed that no fewer than 250,000 young Nigerians have been enrolled in the Federal Government’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme nationwide, marking a major milestone in the administration’s skills development agenda.
The programme, which was launched with a target of enrolling one million beneficiaries, is aimed at equipping young Nigerians with practical and market-ready skills.
Alausa made the disclosure on Thursday during his induction as a member of the Epe Club at a ceremony held in the Alausa area of Lagos State. The event was organised in honour of a political leader in the Epe Division, Shakiru Akanni, and attracted political stakeholders and traditional rulers from across the state.
Speaking as chairman of the occasion, the minister said the enrolment figure reflects the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to revitalising the education sector and repositioning skill acquisition as a driver of national development.
“Skill is the present and the future. We have changed the interest of our young citizens in skill development. Within the last 14 months, we have put a robust technical and vocational education and training programme in place, and we have seen massive interest from young Nigerians,” Alausa said.
He added that the current batch represents the first phase of the one-million-enrolment target expected to be achieved within the next two years. According to him, beneficiaries will be supported with starter packs and access to low-interest loans upon completion of their training.
The minister also expressed appreciation to the Epe Club for conferring membership on him and commended the recognition given to Akanni, noting that such honours reinforce positive social values and inspire future leaders in nation-building.
In his remarks, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, said Nigeria continues to record progress under President Tinubu’s administration, urging citizens to remain optimistic and take advantage of available opportunities.
Hamzat encouraged young Nigerians to emulate the leadership qualities, community spirit and political values exemplified by the honorary award recipient.
Earlier, President of the Epe Club, Olayemi Dada, said the club remains committed to supporting indigent students and providing equipment for health centres within the Epe Division. He explained that the honour was designed to celebrate individuals who have contributed significantly to community development while still alive.
The ceremony also featured a fundraising session for the proposed ultra-modern Epe Club building.
