NPRGS Technical & Vocational Upskilling Training 2026: Everything You Need to Know Before You Apply
Applications are officially open for the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS) Technical & Vocational Upskilling Training Programme, a Federal Government-backed skills initiative offering free, practical training in Artificial Intelligence/Graphics, Fashion Design, and Makeup Artistry.
If you've been searching for a genuine, government-powered skill acquisition programme to build a career or business around, this is one to pay close attention to. Here's a full breakdown of what the programme is about, who qualifies, the tracks available, and how to apply.
What Is the NPRGS Technical & Vocational Upskilling Training?
The National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS) is a flagship initiative of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, implemented by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education (OSSAP-TVEE). Its goal is straightforward: reduce poverty and drive inclusive economic growth by equipping everyday Nigerians with hands-on, income-generating skills.
The Technical & Vocational Upskilling component is the training arm of this strategy. Rather than theory-heavy classroom learning, it focuses on practical, market-ready skills that participants can immediately convert into employment, self-employment, or a small business. Through the programme, beneficiaries receive practical skills training intended to improve their capacity for employment, self-employment and entrepreneurship.
Applications have already opened in phases across different states — most recently, the Oyo State phase of the programme, with physical training taking place in Ibadan — and the Fashion Design track has also opened its own dedicated call for applications, powered by OSSAP-TVEE in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
Skills Tracks Available
Based on the flyer and official information circulating from the programme, applicants can choose one track to train in:
•Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Graphics Track — practical exposure to AI tools and graphics-related digital skills.
•Fashion Design Track — practical fashion design and garment-making skills that can help participants improve their employability, start or strengthen a fashion business, and create sustainable sources of income. Training areas include fashion design, garment construction, clothing production, and fashion entrepreneurship.
•Makeup Artistry Track — practical, hands-on training in professional makeup application and artistry as a viable trade and business skill.
Only one track can typically be selected per application, so think carefully about which skill aligns with your interest, background, or existing business before you apply.
Who Should Apply?
This programme is refreshingly inclusive. Based on details from the application process, it is open to Nigerians across a wide range of backgrounds, including those with:
-No formal education
-Primary or secondary education (WAEC/NECO)
-Vocational or technical qualifications
-Diploma, NCE, or HND
-Bachelor's or postgraduate degrees
Applicants may be students, self-employed individuals, unemployed persons, government workers, or private-sector employees. The application is open to Nigerians who are interested in acquiring or improving practical technical and vocational skills.
General requirements applicants should be prepared to meet:
-Be a Nigerian citizen
-Be genuinely interested in one of the available training tracks (AI/Graphics, Fashion Design, or Makeup Artistry)
-Be available to attend the full training period physically (where the training is held in-person)
-Provide accurate personal and contact information on the application form
-Be committed to completing the training and applying the skill afterward
Note on state eligibility: NPRGS training is being rolled out in phases across different states. For example, one active phase is specifically for applicants able to train physically in Ibadan, Oyo State, for two consecutive weeks (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm). If your state or location isn't currently listed on the application form you access, it likely means that phase hasn't opened for your state yet — keep checking, as NPRGS has been expanding state by state.
What You Stand to Gain
Selected participants can expect to:
-Receive free, practical technical and vocational training in their chosen track
-Improve employability and job readiness
-Gain skills that support self-employment, freelancing, or entrepreneurship
-Access a Federal Government-backed empowerment programme with potential startup support (previous NPRGS phases have included starter tools such as portable sewing machines for fashion design participants)
Application Deadline
As of the time of writing, no fixed closing date has been officially published on the application forms or flyers for this programme. However, government skills programmes of this nature typically close on rolling or short notice once slots are filled, so early application is strongly advised.
How to Apply
Confirm you meet the eligibility requirements above.
Decide which track you want to train in: AI/Graphics, Fashion Design, or Makeup Artistry.
Complete the official Google Form application with accurate personal details.
Where required, follow the OSSAP-TVEE office page on Instagram as part of the application confirmation.
Submit and await selection communication.
👉 Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1QiskHiBWfDU89daDzZuthqf18a7ttYTj3GjwshQf0Cs/viewform
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the NPRGS Technical & Vocational Upskilling Training free?
Yes. It is a Federal Government-funded initiative under the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy, offered at no cost to selected participants.
Who runs the NPRGS training programme?
It is implemented by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education (OSSAP-TVEE), under the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
Can applicants from any state apply?
Applications are being rolled out in phases by state. Check the current form to confirm whether your state or location is included in the active phase.
What skills tracks are available?
Artificial Intelligence/Graphics, Fashion Design, and Makeup Artistry, based on current phases of the programme.
Is there a fee to apply?
No. Be cautious of anyone requesting payment to "guarantee" a slot — the official application process does not require payment.
This post will be updated as new information, deadlines, and state phases are officially announced. For more grants, fellowships, and opportunity updates for Nigerian and African entrepreneurs, follow Ganarious Blog.
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