The Federal Government has officially started paying the ₦22,500 monthly stipend to participants under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme. After weeks of speculation and rising concerns over attendance, trainees have now begun receiving credit alerts confirming the payment.

The first batch of payments dropped on December 2, 2025, and by evening, social media was filled with screenshots of alerts, voice notes from training centres, and posts like “My TVET stipend just landed — check your SMS!” For many young Nigerians, this payment marks a lifeline in the middle of rising transport costs and tough economic conditions.

NgEmpower.com verified that trainees who completed documentation, passed physical verification, and maintained consistent attendance were among those paid in the first round.

Understanding the TVET Programme and Why This Payment Matters

The TVET programme is part of the Federal Government’s broader effort to equip Nigerian youths with practical skills like ; welding, electrical work, ICT, baking, tailoring, solar installation, digital literacy, and more. The goal is simple: reduce youth unemployment by giving Nigerians market-ready skills and financial support during training.

The stipend is not a luxury. It was designed to:

• Support transportation to training centres

• Reduce drop-out rates during training

• Encourage punctuality and discipline

• Allow trainees to focus without worrying about daily expenses

This is especially important because many TVET participants are students, job seekers, or low-income youths relying fully on the programme for relief.

How the TVET Stipend Actually Works

Although the programme has been widely publicized, many Nigerians don’t fully understand how the stipend approval process operates. Here is the real structure:

1. Documentation Stage

Trainees must upload valid ID cards, passport photos, and personal details on the portal.

2. Physical Verification

Centres confirm the trainee’s identity and ensure there are no duplications or fraudulent applications.

3. Attendance Requirement

Before approval, training centres submit attendance records for each participant. Trainees with inconsistent attendance may experience delays.

4. Final Approval Stage

Only trainees marked “Approved” on their dashboard become eligible for monthly stipends.

5. Payment in Batches

Disbursement is not done all at once. It is processed in waves according to:

• Centre attendance reports

• Batch approval

• Bank validation

• Funding cycles

This structure explains why some trainees have been paid while others are still waiting.

To Know more about TVET Application Process, check out our guide on : FME TVET Initiative Registration Form: How to Apply, Eligibility, Requirements and Full Guide

Why Some Trainees Haven’t Received Their ₦22,500 Yet

Even though payment has begun, not everyone has received their stipend. The following reasons are the most common:

1. Dashboard Still Shows “Pending”

This is the biggest reason for delays.
“Pending” simply means your verification or attendance is still under review.

2. Your Centre Has Not Submitted Attendance Reports

Some centres delay sending attendance sheets, causing payment delays for their trainees.

3. Incorrect or Unverified Bank Details

A wrong digit in the BVN or bank account can stop your payment completely.

4. Late Documentation

Trainees who completed documentation after others will receive payment in later batches.

5. Irregular Attendance

If your attendance is poor, your centre may not recommend you for stipend payment.

Real Experiences From Trainees Across Nigeria

To give readers a clearer view, here are real-world examples (names changed for privacy):

Chisom – Enugu

“My centre is far from home. I spend close to ₦700 every day. When the alert dropped, it helped me catch up on transport I owed. I just hope the next one comes quickly.”

Kabiru – Kano

“I was worried because my dashboard was pending for weeks. My friends got paid yesterday, mine entered today. I feel relieved.”

Blessing – Lagos

“Without this stipend, many of us would have stopped coming. Transport is expensive in Lagos. At least now we can continue.”

These experiences reflect the importance of timely payments and the economic realities young Nigerians face.

Is ₦22,500 Enough? 

Many Nigerians have argued that the stipend needs to be reviewed. Transport costs across the country show why:

• Lagos–Ikorodu to Ikeja: ₦1,200 to ₦1,600 daily

• Abuja–Kubwa to Area 1: ₦900 to ₦1,300

• Port Harcourt urban routes: ₦700 to ₦1,000

• Kano metropolis: ₦500 to ₦800

• Rural communities: low cost but long distance

For trainees attending five times a week, transport alone may consume:

• ₦12,000 to ₦20,000 per month in many urban areas

• ₦6,000 to ₦10,000 in smaller towns

This leaves trainees with very little after transport expenses. Many have urged government officials to consider increasing the stipend to reflect economic realities.

Pending Applicants: What You Must Do Now

If your status still shows “Pending,” here’s how to get ready for the next approval batch:

✔ Keep attending training sessions

Absence from training is the biggest reason for denial.

✔ Confirm that your centre has marked your attendance

Some centres forget to submit reports.

✔ Check your portal weekly

Status updates happen silently — no email or SMS notification.

✔ Ensure your documents are complete

Missing ID or mismatched details can delay approval.

✔ Correct any bank errors

Even one wrong digit can block payment.

Pending trainees must remain patient, as more batches will be processed throughout December.

What To Expect Next (Important for Trainees)

Based on NgEmpower’s review of previous government programmes, here is what typically happens after the first payment:

1. Second Batch of Stipend Payments

Those whose approval was delayed or who completed documentation late will be included.

2. Attendance Review at Centres

Centres are required to send continuous weekly reports.

3. Dashboard Status Updates

Pending candidates may gradually turn to “Approved.”

4. Possible Programme Adjustments

The government may introduce:

• A revised or increased stipend

• New training tools or modules

• Additional monitoring rules

• Expanded training centres to reduce distance issues

5. Monthly Tracking

Payments are expected every 30 days once approval is secured.

How to Avoid Missing the Next Payment

This is one of the most important sections for trainees. Do these consistently:

1. Attend all classes and sign daily attendance

Attendance is the number one requirement for stipend approval.

2. Talk to your centre supervisor

Confirm your name is on the attendance register.

3. Check your portal weekly

The system does not send notifications.

4. Use the same name across all documents

Avoid issues with bank verification.

5. Keep your phone on for SMS alerts

Banks may send one-time verification messages.

6. Be patient but stay consistent

Payment comes in batches — missing training days can affect eligibility.

Most Common Questions Trainees Ask 

1. When exactly did the payment start?

Payments began on December 2, 2025.

2. How much is the monthly stipend?

Each trainee receives ₦22,500 monthly.

3. My dashboard shows “Pending.” Will I get paid?

Not yet — but once approved, you will be included in the next batch.

4. My friends were paid. Why not me?

Payments are processed in batches; delays may be due to documentation or centre reporting.

5. Can the stipend be increased?

It is possible, especially given rising transport costs, but no official announcement yet.

6. Will all trainees be paid this month?

Only approved trainees who meet attendance requirements.

7. Is the stipend monthly?

Yes, trainees are expected to be paid each month after approval.

Final Word for Trainees

The TVET stipend payment is a major relief for thousands of young Nigerians striving to complete their training despite tough economic conditions. The programme holds strong potential to lift many youths into skilled, employable roles and improve their financial stability in the long term.

If you have been paid, stay consistent with attendance to avoid future issues.
If your dashboard still shows “Pending,” continue training and ensure your documents are complete — more batches are coming.

NgEmpower.com will continue providing verified updates on TVET payments, youth empowerment programmes, grants, skills training, and government schemes to help Nigerians stay informed and prepared