The Federal Government, in partnership with the World Bank, has commenced a technical and vocational training programme targeting about 80,000 young Nigerians across the country.
The programme is being implemented through the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project under the Federal Ministry of Education. The initiative is designed to equip young people with practical skills that can improve their chances of securing jobs or starting businesses.
The latest phase of the programme was formally launched in Abuja, where 777 young Nigerians began training under the third cohort. The participants were selected through seven accredited Training Service Providers operating in the Federal Capital Territory.
Training areas include digital and creative media, agriculture and agribusiness, beauty and cosmetology, construction and building trades, as well as other technical and market-focused occupations. The programme is based on competency-focused training aligned with National Skills Qualification standards.
Officials said the training is expected to go beyond classroom instruction. Participants will have opportunities for industry internships and employment support after the practical training, with the aim of connecting newly acquired skills to real workplace opportunities.
The National Project Coordinator of the IDEAS Project, Blessing Ogwu, said the initiative is intended to strengthen Nigeria’s technical and vocational education system while helping young people develop skills that can translate into employment, entrepreneurship and improved livelihoods.
The project has also focused on strengthening the capacity of instructors. Officials said about 4,000 technical teachers and instructors have received additional training, while investments have been made in technical college infrastructure, workshops and equipment.
In some states, the programme is already being implemented through local training providers. Cross River, for example, began training 1,225 youths under the third cohort, while Benue reported 1,475 beneficiaries participating in skills programmes.
The Federal Government and its partners say the broader initiative is aimed at addressing the gap between the number of young Nigerians entering the labour market and the practical skills employers require.
The programme forms part of wider efforts to strengthen technical and vocational education in Nigeria and create alternative pathways into employment and entrepreneurship for young people. As additional cohorts are rolled out, officials are expected to provide information through accredited training providers and relevant government channels.