The Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) project, an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Education supported by the World Bank, has commenced plans to train more than 1,000 youths in Kaduna State.
The National Project Coordinator of IDEAS, Mrs Blessing Ogwu, disclosed this at the flag-off of Cohort Two of the IDEAS–Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) training for service providers. The ceremony was held at the College of Technical and Vocational Education, Kaduna Polytechnic.
Mrs Ogwu, who was represented by the World Bank Environmental Consultant to the IDEAS–TVET project, Dr Marcus Idoko, said the second phase of the programme would train more than 40,000 young people nationwide over a six-month period.
She explained that 13 Training Service Providers (TSPs) had so far been selected in Kaduna State, with each expected to train about 100 youths in different technical skills. According to her, the focus will be on skills capable of producing goods and services with commercial value.
Mrs Ogwu urged both the service providers and trainees to take the programme seriously. She warned that there would be strict monitoring and evaluation during and after the training to ensure quality delivery and measurable impact.
The IDEAS project aims to equip young Nigerians with market-relevant and entrepreneurial skills in priority sectors, improve employability and promote self-reliance as part of efforts to tackle youth unemployment across the country.
Speaking on behalf of the Training Service Providers in Kaduna State, Dr Akoh Salifu of Optimal Consults and Resource Development thanked the Federal Ministry of Education and the project team for the opportunity. He added that more youths in the state could still enrol and assured that all providers were committed to delivering measurable results.
In his remarks, the Rector of Kaduna Polytechnic, Dr Suleiman Umar, who was represented by Dr Abubakar Salihu, said that providing practical skills alongside academic certificates had helped to narrow the unemployment gap in Nigeria. He commended the ministry and the IDEAS project for selecting the institution to host the event in Kaduna State.
The selected service providers are expected to train participants in fishery, animal husbandry, construction, plumbing, tiling, electrical installation and digital skills.
The IDEAS Project is a federal government initiative implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education with support from the World Bank, focusing on enhancing employability and reducing youth unemployment.
