Federal technical scheme reduces focus to 28 market trades

Newspapers report that close to 250,000 Nigerians have registered for the technical and vocational scheme run by the Federal Government. We have not yet seen an official notice. News reports shared these details on 29 September 2026.

Organisers narrowed the program down to 28 job-relevant skill areas from the previous count of 82. Training happens at more than 1,200 verified instruction centers and production locations throughout Nigeria. Students who qualify get N30,000 as a monthly allowance. The government also pays each approved teaching site N50,000 every month for every student enrolled.

Over 1.4 million submissions entered the registration portal during its first two weeks. Hands-on practical tasks form 80 percent of the instruction, while classroom theory takes up the remaining 20 percent. The updated national study plan introduces Digital Technologies alongside trade topics starting in the 2025/2026 academic session.

NELFUND had disbursed N372.62 billion to students and institutions as of 29 September 2026.

Who it affects

Nigerians taking part in technical and vocational schemes, as well as approved learning places across the country.

Key dates

• 29 September 2026: NELFUND disbursement milestone date