FME TVET Initiative Cohort 3: Apply Now (2026 Portal)

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FME TVET Initiative Cohort 3
FME TVET Initiative Cohort 3

FME TVET Initiative Cohort 3: Federal Government Opens Applications for Free Training + Monthly Stipend

The Federal Ministry of Education has reopened the application portal for the FME TVET Initiative Cohort 3 (also called Batch C). Nigerians can now register for free technical and vocational training, a monthly stipend, nationally recognised certification, and starter support in high-demand trades.

Applications opened on 30 October 2026 via the official portal at tvet.education.gov.ng. No application fee applies. Training runs at accredited centres across all 36 states and the FCT.

Previous cohorts attracted over 1.3 million applications. Demand remains high, so early and accurate submission improves your chances of centre allocation.

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What Is the FME TVET Initiative Cohort 3?

The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Initiative is a flagship Federal Ministry of Education programme. It equips Nigerians with practical skills for jobs and self-employment while closing the national skills gap.

Cohort 3 continues the model used in earlier intakes: fully funded tuition (paid through NELFund), hands-on training (mostly practical), biometric attendance tracking, and post-training support. Successful trainees receive a recognised certificate and can access starter packs or low-interest business loans in selected cases.

Two Training Pathways

  • Short-Term Certificate (STC) – 6 months: Built for first-time trainees, school leavers, and people with no formal education. Entry requires only a valid NIN and BVN.
  • Vocational Education and Innovation (VEI) – 1 year: For those with some prior learning or basic certificates who want deeper skills and formal recognition. Accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC), or any non-formal education certificate (NGO, community, or apprenticeship proof).

Benefits of FME TVET Initiative Cohort 3

  • Tuition-free training paid by the Federal Government
  • Monthly stipend during training (widely reported as ₦22,500; confirm the exact figure on the portal as some notices mention up to ₦30,000)
  • Nationally recognised certificate
  • Hands-on training led by industry practitioners (typically 80%+ practical)
  • Starter packs or take-off grants for selected graduates
  • Access to business loans at single-digit interest rates
  • Centres in every state and the FCT — no need to relocate far from home

Attendance is strictly monitored with biometrics. Stipend payment depends on meeting the required attendance threshold (often cited around 65%).

Eligibility Requirements for Cohort 3

You must be a Nigerian citizen. Age limits are not rigidly enforced on the official portal in the same way across all reports, but many sources reference 18–40 years as the practical range. Both educated and non-educated applicants are welcome.

PathwayDurationKey Requirements
STC (Short-Term Certificate)6 monthsValid NIN + BVN. No formal education needed.
VEI (Vocational Education & Innovation)1 yearAny of: RPL proof, FSLC, or non-formal education certificate.

You also need a working email address, phone number, and bank details linked to your BVN for stipend payments. Choose a training centre close to your residence during application — slots are limited and subject to availability.

Available Trades in FME TVET Cohort 3

The portal lists high-demand skills. Popular options include:

  • Electrical Installation
  • Welding & Fabrication
  • Solar PV Installation & Maintenance
  • Plumbing & Pipe-fitting
  • Automobile Mechanic, Auto-body Works, Motorcycle & Tricycle Repair
  • Fashion Design & Garment Making
  • Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology
  • Hospitality Training
  • Computer Hardware & GSM Repair
  • Creative Media / Digital Media Production
  • Livestock Farming and Mechanised Agriculture
  • Bricklaying, Tiling, Painting & Interior Finishes
  • Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning

Exact availability depends on the centre you select. Check the portal for the full current list before choosing.

How to Apply for FME TVET Initiative Cohort 3 (Step-by-Step)

  1. Go to the official portal: https://www.tvet.education.gov.ng/ or the direct signup link if provided.
  2. Create an account using your NIN, name, email, phone number, and date of birth. Verify via the code sent to your phone or email.
  3. Log in and select either the STC or VEI pathway.
  4. Complete the form with accurate personal details, state of origin, LGA, and bank information.
  5. Upload required documents (passport photo and any certificates for VEI).
  6. Choose your preferred trade and an accredited training centre near you.
  7. Review everything carefully — changes after submission are usually not allowed — then submit.
  8. Monitor your dashboard for centre assignment and further updates. “N/A” under assigned centre means allocation is still pending.

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Application is completely free. Ignore anyone asking for payment to “secure a slot” or speed up processing.

Application Status and Deadline

The portal opened on 30 October 2026. No fixed closing date has been widely published yet. Apply as soon as possible because centres fill up and high application volumes (over 1.3–1.4 million in recent windows) create bottlenecks.

To check status: Log in to your dashboard on tvet.education.gov.ng and look for application or centre assignment status.

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Once you complete training — your new certificate will strengthen job or business applications.

 

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