Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the initiative on Thursday after meetings held during the Education World Forum 2026 in London.

The Federal Government said it would fully fund 36,000 training licences in the programme’s first year, removing the cost barrier for participants.

Training will cover Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing and Software Engineering, while successful participants will earn certifications recognised by employers globally.

Alausa described the programme as one of the biggest government-backed digital skills investments in the country.

“On the sidelines of the Education World Forum 2026 in London, I signed a landmark partnership with @coursera to launch the Digital Training Academy (DTA), a major initiative designed to equip Nigerian youths with globally competitive digital skills.”

He added: “Through this programme, young Nigerians will receive world-class training in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Software Engineering and other high-demand digital fields, while earning globally recognised certifications valued by employers across the world.”

The minister said the programme supports President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places attention on youth development, innovation and workforce readiness.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda recognises that digital competency is no longer optional. It is foundational,” Alausa said.

“The Digital Training Academy is a direct investment in helping young Nigerians compete and lead in the global digital economy.”

According to the Ministry of Education, the programme will run in partnership with National Open University of Nigeria and Yaba College of Technology.

The government said NOUN would use its nationwide structure to give students across the country access to the programme, while YABATECH would provide technical support, facilitators and industry-focused mentorship.

“Access to training alone is not enough. What truly changes lives is completion, support and accountability,” Alausa stated.

Officials say the academy forms part of reforms introduced by the government to improve technical and vocational education.

In 2025, the Federal Government revised the Technical and Vocational Education Training curriculum, increasing the focus on practical learning with an 80:20 ratio in favour of hands-on training.

Nigeria also signed an agreement with China last year to strengthen vocational education through technical partnerships and practical training support.

The new academy arrives as demand for digital and AI-related skills increases globally. It also comes at a time when Nigeria faces high youth unemployment and underemployment, pushing more young people to seek technology-related careers and remote work opportunities.

Applications began on Monday, April 13, 2026, through the official TVET portal. Officials say the exercise targets young Nigerians seeking practical skills for work and for starting small businesses.

The programme runs across accredited centres in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, offering two training paths. One lasts six months under the Short-Term Certificate track and the other runs for one year under the Vocational Education and Innovation track.

Training covers more than 25 trades. These include electrical installation, welding, plumbing, ICT, automotive repair, fashion design, cosmetology, agriculture, solar installation, creative media, and hospitality services.

Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the programme focuses on long-term economic outcomes.

“In strengthening this programme, the Federal Government is investing in the productive capacity of our youth. By providing practical training and recognised certification, we are creating pathways for self-employment, innovation, and long-term economic growth,” Dr Alausa stated.

The ministry says the initiative will also expand training in the creative and cultural sectors. It is working with the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism to support that goal.

Each trainee will receive support throughout the programme. The structure includes free tuition, monthly stipends, and certification after completion.

“Participants will receive a monthly stipend of N22,500 throughout the duration of their training and will be awarded a nationally recognised certification upon successful completion.

“Training will cover a wide range of high-demand sectors, including construction, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), automotive technology, creative media, agriculture, fashion and garment production, cosmetology, tourism and hospitality, catering services, and leather works, among others,” the statement partly reads.

Officials also confirmed startup grants and access to low-interest loans for graduates. The aim focuses on helping trainees move straight into work or self-employment.

The ministry requires applicants to provide a National Identification Number and Bank Verification Number during registration. It also says attendance will go through biometric checks. Only trainees who meet attendance rules will receive stipends.

How to Apply

Applications for TVET second cohort go through the website. The ministry has asked candidates to complete registration early and select approved training centres.

The programme sits within a national skills plan, aligning with efforts to reduce unemployment and expand vocational training across Nigeria.

In December 2025, the government released N4.7 billion as the first tranche of payments to trainees and accredited centres under the TVET scheme. The Education Minister announced the release through a statement shared on X.

The rollout started earlier in May last year. Since then, the government has pushed to expand participation across states.

Interest in the programme has grown. Within one week of the portal opening in 2025, officials recorded more than 90,000 applications.

Entrance examination figures also rose. Participation moved from 7,547 candidates in 2024 to 30,000 in 2025. That was an increase of nearly 300%.

The ministry also introduced an artisan-led mentorship model and now operates across 38 upgraded technical colleges. Experienced craftsmen guide trainees directly on practical tasks.

Accreditation regulations for training centres are strict. Centres must register with the Corporate Affairs Commission and must also adopt an NSQ-based curriculum and meet staffing and facility standards.

Officials still describe TVET as an important part of Nigeria’s skills drive. The programme links formal training with industry needs, seeking to close gaps between education and employment.

More updates are expected as the second cohort begins registration and screening across the country.

In a statement posted on her LinkedIn page, Verheijen clarified that the current tariffs, following the 2024 increase in Band A tariffs, now cover about 65% of the actual cost of supplying electricity, with the government continuing to subsidise the remaining amount. 

She stressed that the government’s immediate focus is not on raising electricity tariff, but on improving power supply, reducing outages, and providing targeted support to vulnerable Nigerians.

“Today, the Federal Government spends over N200 billion per month on electricity subsidies,” Verheijen explained. However, she pointed out that much of this support disproportionately benefits the wealthiest 25% of Nigerians. 

To address this, the government is introducing a targeted subsidy system to ensure that low-income households receive the most benefits, making electricity more affordable for the majority.

A key element of the power sector reform is the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), which will roll out 7 million prepaid meters across the country starting this year. 

Verheijen noted that this initiative aims to end estimated billing, ensuring consumers pay for what they use, and bringing greater transparency to electricity charges. She also pointed out that the nationwide metering drive will improve revenue collection and attract the necessary investments to strengthen Nigeria’s power infrastructure.

In addition to these, the government is introducing fiscal incentives such as VAT and Customs Duty Waivers to lower the cost of alternative power sources like Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), further diversifying energy options for Nigerians. 

These reforms are part of the government’s initiative to ensure that power sector changes lead to concrete improvements in the daily lives of citizens.

Verheijen reiterated that the government’s policies are designed to eliminate unfair billing practices, provide equitable subsidies, and ultimately create the conditions for stable, affordable electricity. 

The focus, she stressed, remains on delivering a more reliable power supply and laying a good foundation for sustainable energy reforms.

This was revealed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during a press briefing in Abuja to mark the International Day of Education themed, “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation.”

Represented by the Director of Polytechnics in the Ministry, Dr. Ejeh Usman, Dr. Alausa noted several initiatives aimed at modernising education through AI. He explained that platforms such as “Inspire for Students” and “Ignite for Teachers have been developed to enhance the learning experience. 

“Inspire for Students brings the classroom closer, while Ignite for Teachers helps educators put lesson plans together,” he said.

Added to this, the ministry has introduced the Tertiary Information System (TIS) portal to centralise the data of undergraduates in tertiary institutions, making information management more efficient. 

For younger learners, the Nigeria Learning Passport offers access to over 15,000 free educational resources tailored for primary, junior, and secondary students across the country.

Dr. Alausa also announced that the evaluation and accreditation of academic records have been fully automated, reducing the challenges associated with manual processes. “We also have digitalised services – the processes of evaluation and accreditation of academic records are now being automated, therefore making the process less cumbersome,” he stated.

Emphasising the importance of human involvement, the minister underscored the need for a balanced approach to AI integration. “As we navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is crucial that we prioritise human agency in education. We must ensure that AI enhances, rather than replaces, educators’ vital role in shaping young minds. Our vision is to harness the potential of AI to augment teaching and learning while safeguarding the unique qualities that make us human,” he added.

The Federal Government (FG) is also looking into the applications of artificial intelligence in education, including smart content creation, virtual and augmented reality, gamification, and predictive analytics. 

Other areas of focus include assistive technology, AI-powered chatbots for personalised learning, and data-driven insights to improve decision-making in schools.

To ensure the success of these innovations, the Ministry of Education plans to establish an AI in Education Task Force that will develop guidelines for teacher training and AI implementation. The minister pledged to work with international partners and stakeholders to align Nigeria’s strategies with global standards.

The government further intends to fully implement computer-based testing (CBT) for all national examinations by 2027, addressing challenges such as exam malpractice and identity theft. 

New examination certificates, starting from the May-June-July 2024 sessions, will include identifiers such as national ID numbers, photos, and birthdates to enhance authenticity and curb fraud.

The levy, known as the Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL), applies to transfers received through financial technology platforms, including Opay, Moniepoint, and Kuda, among others.

This follows an earlier announcement by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in September 2024, which disclosed plans to implement the levy in accordance with the Finance Act 2020. 

The EMTL imposes a one-time charge of N50 on recipients of electronic transfers above the specified threshold, with funds collected being remitted directly to the FIRS.

Notifications sent to customers by fintech companies over the weekend confirmed the commencement of the deductions. Opay, in its statement, reiterated that the levy is mandated by the federal government and not retained by the platform. 

“Starting 1 December 2024, a one-time levy of N50 will be applied to electronic transfers of N10,000 and above in compliance with FIRS regulations. Opay does not benefit from this charge,” the notice read.

Similarly, Moniepoint issued a statement clarifying the deductions: “Dear customer, you will be charged N50 on inflows of N10,000 and above. Moniepoint collects and remits this on behalf of the federal government to the FIRS.” Other fintech platforms, including PalmPay, issued similar updates to their users.

The implementation of the EMTL has drawn complaints from Nigerians, with many tired of the current financial burden brought about by the recent economic downturn.

Advocacy groups, including the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), have called on the government to reconsider the policy, particularly in light of economic challenges.

Nonetheless, the levy has been placed as a key revenue-generating tool for the government. Over the past year, digital transactions in Nigeria have increased, with cashless transactions exceeding N600 trillion in 2023. 

The FIRS has mandated all financial institutions, including fintech operators, to ensure prompt deductions and remittance of the levy.

With the deductions taking effect, customers of fintech platforms have to adjust to the new charges, with users talking about its impact on already stressed household finances. 

While the government emphasises the need for increased revenue, many Nigerians view the levy as a reflection of continued economic pressures on the populace.

Yakubu’s appointment followed the expiration of the tenure of Mr. Ben Akabueze.

The Budget Office of the Federation, situated in the Ministry of Budget and Planning, was established to provide various functions.

This very important ministry is also saddled with the responsibility of catalyzing equitable mobilization and distribution of the Nation’s resources to engender sustainable socio-economic development.

Beyond the above mentioned, it provides efficient and qualitative budget functions to Nigeria, geared towards promoting fiscal sustainability, transparency and accountability in public finance management for national development in line with International best practices.

But what are the critical functions of the Budget Office every Nigerian must know? They are presented below:

1. The Nigerian Budget office is charged with the responsibility of preparing the Executive budget.

2. The Office oversees budget implementation, and budget monitoring.

3. The Ministry of Budget implements fiscal policies of the Federal Government of Nigeria to maintain aggregate fiscal discipline,

4. It also allocates resources in accordance with government priorities, and promotes the efficient delivery of services.

5. The Ministry further performs revenue estimation using current and realistic assumptions on oil production and prices.

6. It also involves estimation of non-oil receipts, and employing realistic macroeconomic indicators to develop a macroeconomic framework used in aggregate fiscal estimates for the Medium Term expenditure Framework.

7. Framework Development for the annual budget is another responsibility of the Ministry.

8. It coordinates the preparation of Medium Term Sector Strategy (MTSS) across the Federal Sector MDAs and ensures that the MTSS significantly drives annual budget estimates with the issuance of Budget Call Circulars (BCC) that clearly links MTEF, MTSS and the annual budget.

The national identity solution, Techeconomy gathered, is for all types of social and financial services to be powered by AfriGO, a national domestic card scheme.

Confirming the development in a statement on Friday, Mr. Kayode Adegoke, head of Corporate Communications at the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) said that the new scheme is in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS).

The National ID card, he said, is layered with verifiable National Identity features and backed by the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, which mandates NIMC to enrol and issue a General Multipurpose card (GMPC) to Nigerians and legal residents.

“The new National ID Card will address the demand for physical identification enabling cardholders prove their identity, access government and private social services, facilitate financial inclusion for disenfranchised Nigerians, empower citizens, as well as encourage increased participation in nation-building.

“Only registered citizens and legal residents with the National Identification Number (NIN) will be eligible to request the card. The card, which will be produced according to ICAO standards, is positioned as the country’s default national identity card.

“In addition to this functionality, cardholders will also be able to use the cards as debit or prepaid cards by linking same to bank accounts of their choice. The card shall enable eligible persons especially those financially excluded from social and financial services have access to multiple government interventions programs.

“In line with data protection regulation and public interest, NIMC remains committed to protecting cardholders’ personal data and will ensure compliance with international standards on data security protocols as security features that protect the confidentiality and safety of users’ information”.

Key features of Nigeria’s new ID will include:

• Machine-readable Zone (MRZ) in conformation with ICAO for e-passport information
• Identity card Issue Date and document number in line with ICAO standard
• Additional features include travel, health insurance information, microloans, agriculture, food stamps, transport, and energy subsidies, etc.
• Nigeria’s quick response code (NQR) containing the national identification number
• Biometric authentication, such as fingerprint and pictures, as the primary medium for identity verification through the data on the card chip
• Offline capability that allows transactions in areas with limited network coverage or zero infrastructure connectivity
• Functionality as a debit and prepaid card catering to both banked and unbanked individuals

“Request for cards by registered citizens and legal residents will be made available online, at any commercial bank, various agencies or agents participating in multiple programs and/or any NIMC offices nationwide”, Adegoke said.