The Federal Government, in collaboration with the World Bank, has started a technical and vocational training programme aimed at 80,000 young Nigerians. The programme, implemented through the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project, was launched in Abuja for the third cohort. The initiative seeks to provide young Nigerians with skills in various sectors, including digital and creative media, beauty and cosmetology, and construction and building trades.
The programme's launch in Abuja marked the beginning of training for 777 young Nigerians across seven accredited Training Service Providers in the Federal Capital Territory. The training will be delivered through competency-based training aligned with National Skills Qualification standards, followed by industry internship and employment support. This approach aims to equip trainees with practical skills and enhance their employability in the labour market.
Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, 1st Deputy President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and Chairman of the ACCI Business Entrepreneurship Skills and Technology (BEST) Centre, spoke at the ceremony. He emphasized that the programme would address the skills gap in the Nigerian labour market, which is characterized by a shortage of young people with skills that are in demand.
Adesugba highlighted the programme's practical approach, noting that it would provide trainees with a portfolio of real work, rather than just a certificate. He urged the trainees to maximize the opportunity, as their course fees, equipment, facilities, and instruction had been funded under the programme. The skills acquired through the training, he added, would remain valuable to the beneficiaries beyond the programme.
The IDEAS Project is designed to expand access to quality technical and vocational education and training in Nigeria. The project is funded with support from the World Bank and seeks to improve the quality and relevance of technical and vocational education and training, strengthen skills delivery institutions, and improve labour market outcomes for young Nigerians.
Seven Training Service Providers are participating in the Abuja flag-off, including the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Entrepreneurship Skills and Technology (BEST) Centre, Onidiri Home of Beauty, and Gemological Institute of Nigeria. Others are Germnig Consultants Limited, Dari Investments Limited, and Binley and Bramble in partnership with School Hunters. The programme's implementation is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of young Nigerians.
The programme's launch marks a significant step towards addressing the skills gap in Nigeria and enhancing the employability of young Nigerians. With the support of the World Bank, the Federal Government aims to improve the quality and relevance of technical and vocational education and training, ultimately improving labour market outcomes for young Nigerians.
Key points
- The programme targets 80,000 young Nigerians nationwide.
- The training will cover various sectors, including digital and creative media, beauty and cosmetology, and construction and building trades.
- The programme is funded with support from the World Bank.
