The Federal Ministry of Education has flagged off the second cohort of its Technical and Vocational Education and Training Initiative at an accredited training centre, the I Choose Life Foundation, with training officially commencing on July 1, 2026, following an induction ceremony held on June 29. The flag off and orientation programme was led by the National Programme Monitoring Office, represented by Tunji Odewunmi, who welcomed the newly selected beneficiaries and urged them to make the most of the opportunity before them.

Odewunmi charged participants to remain committed throughout the training, describing it as a life changing opportunity to acquire practical skills that can lead to employment, entrepreneurship, and financial independence. He warned against squandering the opportunity, noting that individuals thrive when meaningfully engaged in productive activities that build confidence, provide purpose, and create a sense of direction, adding that such engagement helps prevent involvement in social vices and substance misuse while supporting mental wellbeing.

Applications for the cohort had opened in April, with the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, noting that over 1.3 million Nigerians applied for the programme, a scale he described as reflecting growing demand for practical skills nationwide. Successful trainees are enrolled in one of two pathways, a six month Short Term Certificate track for first time trainees and school leavers, or a one year Vocational Education and Innovation track for applicants with prior education or informal training experience. Training takes place across 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, covering sectors including construction, ICT, automotive technology, creative media, agriculture, fashion and garment production, cosmetology, tourism and hospitality, and catering, with beneficiaries receiving a monthly stipend to support participation throughout the training period.

For the I Choose Life Foundation, hosting the cohort ties into its broader focus on mental wellbeing and prevention of drug and substance misuse among young Nigerians. The Foundation described skills acquisition as a practical pathway to improved mental health, productivity, dignity, and positive community engagement, maintaining that tackling substance misuse requires more than awareness campaigns and must include real opportunities for young people to learn skills and build sustainable livelihoods.