1,500 youths have benefited from the digital skills training under a collaboration between the federal government’s World Bank-supported IDEAS/TVET Project and the African Health Project.
The World Bank-supported Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills initiative, under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training programme, aims to improve job opportunities for young people across Nigeria.
Ali Onoja, the Chief Executive Officer of the African Health Project and proprietor of Fabsi Institute of Entrepreneurship, disclosed this during the inauguration of the digital skills training held in Suleja on Monday.
Mr Onoja explained that “529 youths were trained in the pilot digital skills training programme implemented between January and June 2024, with 460 successfully meeting the certification requirements.” He added that more than 1,000 additional youths were trained through subsequent training engagements supported by Ubelle Nigeria Limited and its partners.
“This brings the total number of beneficiaries already reached through the IDEAS/TVET and Fabsi partnership to well over 1,500 youths,” he said. According to him, the African Health Project has also received approval to train 200 youths aged 15 to 35 in computer hardware and mobile device repairs. Successful participants will be registered with the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria to enhance their employability.
Mr Onoja explained that the programme runs for a minimum of six months, covering certification and industry-based internships. Completion is assessed at the point of job placement or self-employment to ensure participants are ready for the workforce.
The national project coordinator of IDEAS/TVET, Uche Mbaogwu, described the initiative as part of a broader government effort to tackle unemployment by equipping youths with relevant and industry-driven digital skills.
She noted that “the training was offered free of charge to beneficiaries as part of the government’s efforts to foster innovation and promote inclusive development.” Ms Mbaogwu reaffirmed IDEAS/TVET’s commitment to providing accessible skills, knowledge, and opportunities for competitiveness in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
She praised the African Health Project for its professionalism, describing it as “not just a facilitator, but a nation builder helping Nigeria shape the future of its young people.”
