MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE – The Federal Government has formally commended the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, for his significant strides in strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
The commendation follows the successful graduation of approximately 3,000 trainees from nine Vocational Enterprise Institutes and Centres across the state.
In a statement released on Sunday, March 8, 2026, the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, described the Borno model as a benchmark for youth empowerment and a vital contribution to national economic stability.
The graduation ceremony featured the distribution of essential starter packs and a ₦100,000 entrepreneurship grant to each of the 3,000 graduates.
These resources are intended to facilitate an immediate transition from training to active participation in the local economy, reducing the barriers to starting small-scale businesses.
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Minister Alausa noted that this initiative directly aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which prioritises practical skills over theoretical certificates to solve the nation’s unemployment challenges.
The Federal Ministry of Education highlighted that the Borno vocational program adopts a rigorous curriculum structure consisting of 80% practical hands-on experience and 20% theoretical instruction. This ratio is designed to ensure that graduates possess the technical dexterity required by modern industries.
Currently, over 180,000 youths are undergoing similar training in various centres across Nigeria under the federal government’s expanded skills development framework.
To further bridge the gap between skilled labour and employers, the Minister revealed that a National TVET Job Portal is currently under development.
The platform will serve as a digital marketplace to connect certified artisans with industry opportunities and provide them with access to affordable loans to scale their businesses.
The Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, emphasised that the ministry remains committed to expanding these programs.
The goal is to transform Nigeria into a hub for skilled labour, where young people are equipped to drive industrial growth and self-reliance.
Governor Zulum’s investment in vocational infrastructure is seen as a critical component of the post-insurgency recovery plan for Borno State, focusing on human capital development as the primary engine for long-term peace and prosperity.