The Federal Government will on Friday, September 11, 2026, close applications for its National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS) Technical and Vocational Upskilling Training Programme for residents of Enugu State.

The programme provides free skills development in Artificial Intelligence, Fashion Design and Solar Installation, with the broader goal of equipping participants with practical and employable skills capable of supporting employment, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.

The initiative is being implemented by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education (OSSAP-TVEE), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, under the Renewed Hope agenda.

Under the Artificial Intelligence track, participants will receive training in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Programming, Deep Learning, Data Analytics and problem-solving.

The Fashion Design track covers pattern making, sewing, garment construction, fashion illustration and entrepreneurship, while the Solar Installation track focuses on practical skills related to solar energy systems and installation.

The Federal Government’s National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy is focused on reducing poverty by expanding economic opportunities and supporting productive livelihoods.

Its technical and vocational component is designed to equip Nigerians with practical skills that can translate into employment, self-employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

According to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education (OSSAP-TVEE), Dr. Abiola Arogundade, the programme is particularly targeted at Enugu residents interested in acquiring vocational skills, developing digital capabilities, building careers in fashion design or solar installation, improving their employability, starting or expanding small businesses and developing technical skills capable of generating income.

She said depending on the selected track, participants can gain technical and vocational skills, career-relevant capabilities, entrepreneurship knowledge and practical skills that can support employment and self-employment.

The initiative, Dr Arogundade explained, is positioned around the theme, “Skills Today. Livelihoods Tomorrow. Less Poverty.”

She said registration for the Enugu phase is currently open, with Friday, September 11, 2026, set as the application deadline.

“The programme forms part of the Federal Government’s broader effort to use technical and vocational education to expand economic opportunities and tackle poverty through skills development,” she said.