The Federal Government has opened a new phase of technical and vocational training for 777 young Nigerians, in a fresh push to equip youths with practical skills that can translate into employment, freelancing and entrepreneurship.
The initiative is being implemented under the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills–Technical and Vocational Education and Training (IDEAS-TVET) project, with support from the World Bank.
Speaking in Abuja at the inauguration of the latest training cohort, the President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Chief Emeka Obegolu, said the programme was designed to close the gap between what young Nigerians learn and the skills demanded by employers and the wider economy.
Obegolu, who was represented at the event by the First Deputy President of ACCI, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, said the latest 777 beneficiaries formed part of the project’s third cohort. He noted that the programme had already reached about 80,000 young Nigerians across previous cohorts nationwide.
According to him, seven training institutions are collaborating under the current phase to provide hands-on instruction in areas with strong market potential, including digital and creative media, beauty and cosmetology, construction, agriculture and other practical fields.
He stressed that the institutions were working toward a shared national goal of developing a skilled workforce, rather than competing among themselves.
Obegolu said the training would go beyond classroom theory, with participants expected to acquire practical experience through regular assignments and hands-on activities. In fields such as digital media, for instance, trainees would learn to shoot, edit, design and produce actual content as part of their weekly exercises.
He added that participants would leave the programme with certificates as well as portfolios showcasing what they could actually do—assets he said could strengthen their chances of securing jobs, attracting clients or starting their own businesses.
The ACCI president urged the beneficiaries to take the opportunity seriously, encouraging them to attend classes consistently, ask questions, practise what they learn and approach every assignment as though it were a professional job.
He also charged the participating training providers to maintain high standards, keep proper records and strictly follow approved curricula and project requirements to ensure that beneficiaries receive the quality of training intended.
One of the participants, Miss Josephine Abiodun, described the opportunity as a privilege and expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Education, ACCI and other organisations involved in the programme.
The IDEAS Project is an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Education supported by the World Bank and is aimed at expanding access to quality technical and vocational education and training across Nigeria.
Under the current cohort, the training providers are expected to deliver competency-based programmes aligned with National Skills Qualification standards. After the training, beneficiaries will proceed to industry internships and receive employment support designed to make their transition from training to the labour market smoother.
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!