The Federal Government has disclosed that about 40,000 Nigerian youths are currently undergoing training under the IDEAS-TVET programme, a nationwide initiative aimed at strengthening vocational and technical capacity across the country.
The programme, implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education under its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative, is supported by the World Bank and designed as a six-month intensive scheme combining practical training, internships, and entrepreneurship mentorship.
This was reiterated during the flag-off ceremony for IDEAS Cohort 2, Batch 2 held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, where multiple Training Service Providers (TSPs) gathered to commence another phase of the programme.
Presenting remarks on behalf of the Project’s National Coordinator, Mrs Blessing Ogwu, Eldad Domshak described the training as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s human capital. According to him, the initiative is fully funded for participants and targets skills that are directly relevant to current market demands.
He stated that beneficiaries are being trained in areas such as fashion design, garment making, vulcanising and tyre repairs, computer hardware, and GSM repair. “The training provided to youths at no cost is an investment that will yield transformative results for Nigerians,” he said, adding that the programme is structured to ensure participants acquire both technical competence and business management skills.
Domshak further explained that beyond classroom instruction, trainees are exposed to real-world work environments through internships, while also receiving mentorship to prepare them for self-employment and enterprise development.
Among the institutions recognised at the event was the Federal Polytechnic, Oko Skills Development Centre, which was rated highly among participating TSPs in Anambra State. Other participating institutions include Federal Technical College, Awka; UNIZIK Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies; Holy Rosary Vocational and Innovative Institute, Igboukwu; Great AI-Mac Nigeria Limited; Ever Fresh Vocational Institute, Nnewi; and the African Network for Disaster Risk Reduction Sustainable Development. Additional TSPs in attendance were Derbrino Global Concept, Aguata; Institute of Arts and Craft, Uga; and Wokin Tools Nigeria Limited.
Speaking at the event, Director and Training Programme Manager of the Federal Polytechnic Oko Skills Development Centre, Engr Ogonna Nwokoye, commended the Federal Government and other stakeholders for providing the policy framework and support required for the programme’s implementation.
He also acknowledged the role of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Rector of the polytechnic, Dr Chioma Irene Awuzie, and the Federal Ministry of Education in driving the initiative.
“Our Skill Development Centre is topping the chart in Anambra State. We are ahead of most TSPs in terms of equipment, infrastructure, and manpower, and these achievements are the brainchild of our Rector,” Nwokoye said.
He noted that the centre had expanded its training capacity over time, moving from core areas such as welding, fabrication, block moulding, and fashion to additional fields including tiling, paint production, and electrical works, following new equipment acquisitions.
According to him, the institution was allocated 200 trainees under the IDEAS-TVET scheme in Anambra, the highest in the state. He added that participants are currently being trained in livestock farming as well as networking and security installation, with a strong emphasis on hands-on experience.
“The IDEAS Scheme will empower them with starter kits upon completion and they will also receive certification under the National Skills Qualification Framework, enabling them to secure employment locally or internationally,” he said.
Nigeria Startup News reports that the IDEAS-TVET programme forms part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to address youth unemployment and bridge Nigeria’s skills gap through structured, industry-aligned vocational training.
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