No fewer than 42,000 students and 600 Independent Technical Vocational Centres have benefited from the first tranche of payment for the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative by the federal government.

This is contained in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, by the director, press and public relations, federal ministry of education, Folasade Boriowo.

Ms Boriowo quoted the minister of education, Tunji Alausa, to have said that the first phase of disbursements ensured that the training ecosystem was fully supported and students focused on acquiring their skills.

According to Mr Alausa, more than 42,000 young Nigerians have received their monthly stipend of N22,5000, which covers their monthly upkeep and transportation.

“Over 600 independent technical and vocational training centres have also received payments for instructional and skills training they provide to these students.

“This first tranche of payments marks the beginning of a sustained effort, with many more tranches expected to follow and confirming the programme’s long-term financial commitment and sustainability.

“The rapid commencement of payments under the TVET initiative is a clear execution of the President’s directive to invest aggressively in our young people.

President Bola Tinubu believes that equipping our youth with in-demand, practical skills is the fastest way to drive job creation, entrepreneurship, and national economic growth.

“This is the very essence of the Renewed Hope Agenda: turning potential into productivity.”

Since its commencement in May, the TVET initiative has rapidly moved from registration to practical training, with students already commencing their intensive vocational courses.

The timely release of these funds is critical to sustaining this momentum.

(NAN)