The Federal Government's Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme has empowered 75 youths in Lagos State with free professional training in beauty and cosmetology, alongside monthly stipends of N30,000. The beneficiaries are undergoing training at Elegant Twins Institute of Cosmetology, Surulere, where they are acquiring practical skills in makeup, hairdressing, nail technology, and spa services. This initiative aims to enhance their employment opportunities and prepare them for entrepreneurship.
The intervention is being implemented under the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project, a Federal Government initiative supported by the World Bank and coordinated through the Federal Ministry of Education. Some beneficiaries, including Abdulhakeem Shamsudeen, Omotosho Okwemi, and Boma Messe-Britz, have commended the government for providing free training and financial support. They praised their instructors and called for the continuation of the initiative.
The Centre Manager of Elegant Twins Institute, Kunle Oladunjoye, said the institution was selected as a training service provider through a transparent and merit-based process. He commended the Federal Government for meeting its financial obligations to the centre and providing monthly stipends for beneficiaries. The founder of the institute, Mrs. Elizabeth Adebisi Oshisoya, described the intervention as an important opportunity to expand access to professional vocational skills.
The National Project Monitoring Officer for TVET and IDEAS, Mr. Olatunji Odewunmi, disclosed that Lagos State has approximately 128 TVET centres providing opportunities for Nigerians to acquire vocational skills. He said the programme provides support for essential training requirements, including registration, accommodation, and learning materials, while training service providers receive N50,000 per trainee monthly.
The IDEAS Project Manager, Abimbola Oyedeji, said the intervention had contributed to increased student enrolment and improved practical skills training at Federal Technical College (FTC), Yaba, Lagos. She listed the supported vocational areas to include blocklaying and concreting, tiling, woodwork, auto body building, computer craft, and catering craft. Some beneficiaries testified to the impact of the programme, citing improved practical learning and enhanced knowledge.
The programme is part of the Federal Government's broader TVET reform agenda under Pillar One of the National Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI). The initiative aims to equip Nigerians with industry-relevant competencies for employment, entrepreneurship, and national economic development. The TVET programme has been designed to strengthen Nigeria's skilled workforce, develop local technical capacity, and reduce dependence on foreign artisans.
Beneficiaries have expressed appreciation for the programme, citing its impact on their skills and future prospects. The government has been commended for its efforts in promoting vocational empowerment and self-reliance. The programme's success is expected to have a positive impact on Nigeria's economy and workforce, as it equips young people with the skills and competencies required for employment and entrepreneurship.
Key points
- 75 Lagos youths receive free training in beauty, cosmetology, and N30,000 monthly stipends under FG's TVET programme
- The programme aims to equip Nigerians with industry-relevant competencies for employment, entrepreneurship, and national economic development
- Lagos State has approximately 128 TVET centres providing opportunities for Nigerians to acquire vocational skills
