FG Launches Ladela Educational Institute to Provide Free Vocational Skills for Nigerian Youths

The federal government has launched Ladela Institute as an accredited TVET centre to offer free vocational training for Nigerian youths.

With five high-demand courses, monthly stipends, and starter packs, the initiative aims to equip youth with practical, job-ready skills.

In a major step towards tackling youth unemployment and bridging the skills gap in Nigeria, the federal government has unveiled the Ladela Educational Institute as a fully accredited Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) center under the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

The new initiative will offer tuition-free vocational training to Nigerian youths, equipping them with practical, in-demand skills that can enhance their employability or help them start their own businesses.

Announcing the launch at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, the executive director of the institute, Angela Ajala, described the program as a life-changing opportunity, especially for youths aged 18 to 35 who may lack access to formal education or professional training.

“Today marks a defining moment not just for Ladela, but for every young person with a dream and a drive to build something with their hands,” Ajala said. “We’re proud to be building Nigeria one skilled hand at a time.”

Five in-demand skills to be offered

Ladela Educational Institute will begin by offering five technical and creative training programs, each designed to run for a six-month period. These include:

• Garment Making
• Hospitality and Catering
• Creative Digital Skills
• Social Media Management
• Solar Installation and Maintenance

The training will be delivered by experienced professionals in their respective industries to ensure graduates gain both technical expertise and real-world competence, along with valuable industry connections.

Ajala encouraged interested individuals to register through the NBTE digital portal, noting that eligibility requires a valid National Identification Number (NIN) and falls within the 18–35 age bracket.

Nationally recognized certification and support for trainees

In a further boost for the initiative, Pauline Ajibili, Deputy Director at the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), confirmed that trainees will receive nationally recognized certifications upon graduation, credentials that are accepted both in Nigeria and abroad.

To support students during the training period, each enrollee will receive a monthly stipend of N22,500 to cover transportation and other basic needs. Upon completion, trainees will also receive starter packs—toolkits customized for their chosen skill to help them launch a career or small business right away.

“This is a national project already in motion. Registration is ongoing, and trainees will soon be deployed to accredited centers based on their location and capacity,” Ajibili explained.

She urged young Nigerians to take advantage of the program as a pathway to financial freedom and professional development, reiterating that anyone with the drive to learn can benefit, regardless of formal educational background.

Part of a broader national strategy

This development is part of the federal government’s broader efforts to expand TVET opportunities nationwide. Through the NBTE, the Federal Ministry of Education recently issued a call for Skill Training Centers, Vocational Enterprise Institutes, and Mastercraft Persons (MCPs) to apply for accreditation, allowing them to access government support and funding for youth development initiatives.

To qualify for accreditation, institutions must meet a range of requirements including:

• CAC registration or NIN (for MCPs)
• Adoption of National Skills Qualification (NSQ)-based curricula
• Proper staffing with certified instructors, Quality Assurance Assessors (QAAs), and Internal Quality Assurance Managers (IQAMs)
• Standard-compliant training facilities

All applications must be submitted through the official NBTE Digital Portal.

Empowering Nigeria’s next generation

With the launch of Ladela Educational Institute, the government is taking concrete steps to empower young Nigerians with relevant skills that meet both local and global demands. From fashion to technology, and renewable energy to hospitality, the program seeks to produce a workforce capable of driving innovation, self-reliance, and economic resilience.

The message is clear: you don’t need a university degree to succeed, just the right skills and the opportunity to grow them.