The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, has revealed that more than 60 per cent of graduates from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes have either secured employment or established their own businesses in Nigeria.
This was disclosed by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Sampson Ebimaro, during a one-day workshop held in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.
The event was part of the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS) initiative, organised by the Ministry.
Represented by Mrs Ayinde-Yakubu Olasumbo, Director of the National Monitoring and Evaluation Department, Dr Ebimaro explained that the NPRGS aims to address poverty across the country.
He noted that the initiative is a major government strategy intended to fast-track national development and lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty within ten years.
Dr Ebimaro outlined the key focus areas of the initiative, which include macroeconomic stabilisation, industrialisation, trade and growth, and social redistribution.
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In line with these goals, implementation has been centred around five main components:
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Agriculture for Food and Job Programme (AFJP): Improving food security and rural job creation through the provision of quality agricultural inputs, training, and financial assistance to smallholder farmers.
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TVET Programme: Providing young Nigerians with practical skills for employment and self-sufficiency.
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Rural Roads Construction: Enhancing access and connectivity in rural areas to support local economic growth.
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Productivity Improvement: Strengthening Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to promote innovation and economic resilience.
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Training and Skills Acquisition: Delivering vocational training to empower citizens, reduce unemployment, and promote sustainable livelihoods.”
He added that recent field assessments have shown a 25–30 per cent increase in crop yields, with over 60 per cent of TVET graduates now employed or self-employed, and improved infrastructure in rural areas boosting economic activity and access to essential services.
“These achievements have significantly enhanced livelihoods. The ongoing workshop will be used to validate and consolidate the findings from the field evaluations,” he explained.
Dr Ebimaro urged all stakeholders present to actively contribute to the discussion with openness and critical thought.
“Your recommendations and shared experiences are vital to the ongoing success and long-term sustainability of the NPRGS,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s strong commitment to inclusive economic development, job creation, and national prosperity.
Also speaking, Mr Gomina Mohammed, Head of Evaluation at the Ministry, stressed the importance of the workshop in evaluating the effectiveness, impact, and sustainability of the programmes on beneficiaries and their communities.
