FG Launches Tuition-free Ladela Institute For Youths Empowerment

The federal government has launched the Ladela Educational Institute, a fully accredited Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centre under the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), aimed at equipping Nigerian youths with practical, employable skills.

Unveiled at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, the centre is designed to offer life-changing opportunities to Nigerian youths aged 18 to 35, particularly those without formal education or employment, through tuition-free training programmes.

Executive director of the Ladela Educational Institute, Angela Ajala, described the initiative as a milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward building a self-reliant, skilled, and prosperous workforce.

“Today marks a defining moment, not just for us as an institution, but for every young person with a dream and determination to build something with their hands,” Ajala said. “We are proud to be building Nigeria one skilled hand at a time.”

Ajala emphasized that industry professionals will deliver the programmes to ensure graduates emerge with not only technical proficiency, but also industry connections and real-world competence.

The institute will offer five core programmes, each running for six months: garment making, hospitality and catering, creative digital skills, social media management, and solar installation and maintenance.

Ajala urged eligible Nigerian youths to register through the official NBTE portal, noting that applicants must be aged between 18 and 35 and possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN).

Also speaking at the event, the deputy director at the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), Pauline Ajibili, highlighted the national impact of the initiative. She said the programme offers a clear path to self-employment or job readiness through certification and starter tools.

According to her, each trainee will receive a monthly stipend of ₦22,500 to support transportation and logistics. Graduates will also be equipped with starter packs containing the tools and materials relevant to their area of training, easing their transition into the workforce.

“This is a national initiative and it has already begun, with the registration portal currently open and placements underway,” Ajibili said. “Once registration closes, the NBTE will allocate trainees to centres across the country based on their location and the capacity of the centres.”

Ajibili urged young Nigerians to seize the opportunity, stressing that with this initiative, there is no reason for anyone to remain unskilled or unemployed.