Nigerians interested in learning Artificial Intelligence (AI), graphics and other practical vocational skills can now apply for Cohort 2 of the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS) training programme.
The latest application phase is currently being organised in Oyo State, with physical training taking place in Ibadan. Applicants can choose from Graphics/Artificial Intelligence (AI), Fashion Designing and Makeup.
The programme is designed to help Nigerians develop practical skills that can support employment, self-employment, freelancing and entrepreneurship.
| Programme | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS) |
| Cohort | Cohort 2 |
| Training area | Graphics/Artificial Intelligence (AI), Fashion Designing and Makeup |
| Location | Ibadan, Oyo State |
| Training mode | Physical |
| Duration | 2 consecutive weeks |
| Training days | Monday to Friday |
| Training time | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Cost | Free |
| Application status | OPEN |
| Application opening | August 2026 |
| Application closing date | Not officially announced |
| Application method | Online application form |
The National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS) is a Federal Government initiative focused on developing practical skills and creating economic opportunities for Nigerians.
The technical and vocational training component is implemented through 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.
Rather than focusing only on academic qualifications, the programme aims to give participants practical skills that can be used to find work, start a small business or provide services independently.
For the current Oyo State phase, applicants can select one of the available training areas:
This option combines graphics-related digital skills with Artificial Intelligence.
It may be particularly useful for people interested in:
Artificial Intelligence and digital technology
Graphic design
Digital content creation
Freelancing
Online business services
Creative technology
AI and digital skills are becoming increasingly useful across different industries, making this a potentially valuable area for young people looking to develop future-ready skills.
Participants interested in fashion can select the fashion-design training option.
The skill can be useful for people who want to:
Start a fashion business
Improve existing tailoring skills
Work as a fashion designer
Provide clothing services
Build a small fashion enterprise
Applicants interested in beauty and personal-care services can choose the makeup training option.
The skill can potentially be developed into a self-employment opportunity through personal clients, events, photography, weddings and other social occasions.
The current application is open to Nigerian citizens who are interested in acquiring or improving practical skills.
Applicants should also be able to attend the training physically in Ibadan, Oyo State, because this particular phase is not an online-only programme.
The application form accommodates people with different educational backgrounds, including those with:
No formal education
Primary education
Secondary education
WAEC or NECO
Vocational or technical qualifications
NCE, OND or HND
Bachelor's degrees
Postgraduate qualifications
This means applicants should not assume that they are automatically excluded simply because they do not have a university degree.
At the moment, Oyo State is the only location officially confirmed for the current NPRGS Cohort 2 application. The application form is specifically for the Oyo Phase, with training taking place in Ibadan, Oyo State.
However, interested applicants should keep in mind that more states and additional training cohorts may be announced as the programme progresses. Applicants who are outside Oyo State should therefore watch for further updates before assuming that they are not eligible for a future phase.
We will update this page as soon as new states, training locations or additional NPRGS cohorts are officially published.
If you want to be among the first to know when more states, training locations or new NPRGS cohorts are announced, follow our official channels:
Join our Telegram Channel:
Click the link below to follow
https://t.me/GrantsandLoansUpdate
Join our WhatsApp Channel:
Click the link below to follow
Participants should be prepared to attend the training physically for two consecutive weeks.
The published schedule states:
Monday to Friday
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Two consecutive weeks
Physical attendance is required
Applicants should therefore apply only if they can commit to the full training schedule.
The major benefit is the opportunity to acquire practical skills without paying tuition for the training.
Successful participants may benefit from:
Free practical skills training
Artificial Intelligence and graphics training
Fashion-design training
Makeup training
Practical vocational experience
Skills that can support self-employment
Skills that can be used for freelancing
Exposure to entrepreneurship opportunities
Improved digital and employability skills
The programme is particularly relevant to Nigerians looking for ways to improve their skills and become more competitive in the job market or build an income-generating activity.
Yes. The current programme information describes the training as free.
Applicants should be cautious of anyone asking them to pay money in exchange for admission, selection or guaranteed participation.
A genuine government training opportunity should not require applicants to pay an unofficial agent to secure a place.
Since the application is already open, interested applicants are advised to apply as early as possible rather than waiting for a closing date to be announced.
Interested Nigerians can apply online by completing the current NPRGS application form.
Use the current application form provided for the Oyo State phase.
NPRGS Cohort 2 Application Form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1QiskHiBWfDU89daDzZuthqf18a7ttYTj3GjwshQf0Cs/viewform
Provide your correct details, including your name, contact information and other information requested on the form.
Make sure your phone number is active because it may be used to contact shortlisted applicants.
Choose one of the available options:
Graphics/AI
Fashion Designing
Makeup
Select the option that best matches your interests and career plans.
Answer all questions honestly and carefully.
The application may ask about your educational background, current activities, location and motivation for participating in the programme.
Before submitting the form, check your information carefully.
Make sure there are no errors in your name, telephone number or other important details.
After submitting your application, wait for further communication from the programme organisers.
Before starting the NPRGS application, make sure you can:
Attend training physically in Ibadan.
Commit to the two-week training period.
Attend from Monday to Friday.
Be available from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Provide accurate personal information.
Select only your preferred training area.
Follow any additional instructions provided by the programme organisers.
The application form also requires applicants to follow the relevant OSSAP-TVEE office social media page, according to the latest application information.
To make the application easier, have the following information available:
Your full name
Active telephone number
Email address, where required
State of origin
Educational background
Current occupation or status
Preferred training area
A short explanation of why you want to participate
Applicants should use accurate information throughout the application.
The NPRGS training may be useful for:
Young Nigerians looking to learn a new skill
Unemployed Nigerians seeking employability skills
Entrepreneurs looking to add new services to their businesses
Freelancers interested in digital skills
People interested in Artificial Intelligence
Aspiring graphic designers
Fashion entrepreneurs
Makeup artists
Nigerians interested in vocational training
People looking for free government-sponsored skills training
No.
Applicants should understand that this is primarily a skills-development and vocational training programme, not a Federal Government recruitment exercise.
Being selected for the training does not automatically mean that you will receive a government job.
The main purpose is to help participants acquire practical skills that can improve their chances of employment, self-employment and entrepreneurship.
Be careful when applying for government training programmes online.
Avoid individuals who claim they can guarantee selection in exchange for money.
Also avoid submitting your personal information through unofficial websites when an official application form is available.
Before making any payment or sharing sensitive information, verify that the information comes from the programme organisers.
The NPRGS Artificial Intelligence (AI) Training 2026 Cohort 2 provides Nigerians with an opportunity to learn practical skills at no training cost.
For the current Oyo State phase, applicants can choose Graphics/AI, Fashion Designing or Makeup, but they must be able to attend the training physically in Ibadan for two weeks.
The application is currently OPEN, while an official closing date has not yet been announced. Therefore, interested applicants should not delay their application.