Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Education under the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS/TVET) Project, and in collaboration with the World Bank, has commenced the training of 200 youths in the Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State.
The training, held at the African Health Project Training Institute, is part of a broader initiative to promote skills acquisition and self-employment among Nigerian youths.
The IDEAS/TVET Project is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system.
Its key objective is to improve the quality and relevance of skills development through a comprehensive approach that addresses critical gaps in the nation’s skills delivery framework.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the National Coordinator of IDEAS/TVET, Mrs Blessing Ogwu, urged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity to build valuable skills for self-reliance.
Represented by Mrs Uche Mboagu, she explained that the training programme in Suleja will equip beneficiaries with hands-on expertise in computer hardware and mobile phone repair, enabling them to establish sustainable livelihoods after the six-month intensive course.
Addressing the trainees, she said, “My dear young Nigerians, the future is digital. The future is entrepreneurial, but most importantly, the future is yours. Don’t wait for opportunities; create them. Don’t let your background limit your dreams; let your dreams transform your background.
“As we officially flag off this training, I want each of you to say to yourself, ‘I am the future. I am skilled. I am unstoppable.'”
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of the African Health Project and Proprietor of the Fabsi Institute of Entrepreneurship, Dr. Ali Onoja, said the institution is committed to empowering the participants with employable skills and digital competence.
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He encouraged the trainees to remain focused throughout the programme to maximise the benefits of the initiative.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the Nigerian government for introducing the project and pledged to make good use of the training to improve their lives and contribute meaningfully to the economy.
Through its network of accredited training centres nationwide, the IDEAS/TVET initiative provides tuition-free education, monthly stipends, and start-up support for selected trades in high-demand sectors, positioning Nigerian youths for greater employability and entrepreneurship.