The Federal Government has flagged off the Cohort 3 training programme of the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills—Technical and Vocational Education and Training (IDEAS-TVET) project for 420 trainees in Anambra State. The World Bank-supported initiative aims to equip young Nigerians with practical, industry-relevant skills and improve their prospects for sustainable livelihoods and entrepreneurship.
The trainees, drawn from communities across the state, are being trained in various skills such as Computer Hardware and Maintenance, Cell Phone Repair, Catering and Hospitality, Fashion Design and Garment Making, Crop Production and Processing, and Solar Installation and Maintenance. The training is taking place at five participating centres in the state, including the Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze, and the Federal Technical College, Awka.
The flag-off ceremony, held at the Federal Technical College (FTC), Awka, on Friday, October 2, 2026, brought together government officials, training service providers, programme managers, instructors, traditional representatives, and beneficiaries. The National Project Coordinator of IDEAS-TVET, Mrs Blessing Ogwu, said the project has recorded significant achievements across its components, including critical investments in infrastructure, equipment, human capacity development, and skills training.
According to Mrs Ogwu, the project has supported the upskilling of about 4,000 technical teachers and instructors, recognising that quality training requires competent and well-equipped trainers. She disclosed that, beyond institutional interventions, the project has taken skills development to about 80,000 Nigerians, trained in various skills such as fashion design, information and communication technology, agriculture, and hospitality.
The project has also created opportunities for women and other underrepresented groups. Mrs Ogwu urged the trainees to take their participation seriously, stressing that a minimum of 65 per cent attendance is required to qualify for the N30,000 monthly stipend provided by the Federal Government. She emphasised that the certificate received at the end of the programme is important, but the real value lies in what the trainees are able to do with the knowledge and skills acquired.
The Chairman of the Anambra State IDEAS-TVET Cohort 3 Flag-off Committee and Training Programme Manager, Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze, Dr ThankGod Nzeribe, said the programme would help bridge the skills gap among young Nigerians and equip them for meaningful livelihoods. He added that it would promote a culture of skills acquisition and entrepreneurship, positioning the youths to become self-reliant and employers of labour.
Other officials at the ceremony, including the Director/Principal of Federal Technical College, Awka, Dr Ude Kevin, and the Obi of Awka Kingdom, Eze Uzu II, commended the Federal Government for the initiative and urged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture by participating actively and diligently. The trainees, represented by Miss Nwafor Chinenye of Anambra State College of Health Technology, expressed appreciation and pledged to put the skills acquired to productive use.
Key points
- The Federal Government has launched the IDEAS-TVET project to equip young Nigerians with practical skills.
- The project aims to improve prospects for sustainable livelihoods and entrepreneurship.
- The training programme is taking place in Anambra State, with 420 trainees participating.
