The Federal Ministry of Education has empowered no fewer than 120 artisans and aspiring entrepreneurs through a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative implemented in partnership with EGO Foundation and supported by Access Corporation.
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The programme is part of efforts to strengthen vocational education in Nigeria and equip young people with practical, income-generating skills that can improve livelihoods, encourage entrepreneurship and contribute to economic growth.
Participants received intensive hands-on training across several vocational fields, including garment making and fashion design, beauty and cosmetology, solar installation and maintenance, hospitality management, catering and food services, entrepreneurship development, and business management.
Organisers said the training areas were selected based on market demand and their ability to create sustainable income opportunities for beneficiaries within their communities.
The initiative also focused on improving employability and helping participants develop the capacity to establish and manage sustainable businesses. Beneficiaries underwent entrepreneurship and business development sessions alongside practical technical training delivered by experienced instructors.
In addition to skills acquisition, Access Corporation provided essential work tools and starter kits to participants to help them immediately apply their training and improve their chances of becoming financially independent.
The support is expected to help beneficiaries establish or expand businesses, improve productivity and generate sustainable income in different sectors of the economy.
Speaking on the impact of the programme, Executive Director of EGO Foundation, Toluwase Olaniyan, praised the Federal Ministry of Education and Access Corporation for supporting vocational education and economic empowerment initiatives in Nigeria.
“This initiative is a powerful example of what can be achieved when government, the private sector and development organisations work together towards a common goal. We commend the Federal Ministry of Education for its leadership in advancing vocational education and Access Corporation for its investment in the future of these artisans through the provision of tools and starter kits,” Olaniyan said.
He described the programme as an important step towards reducing unemployment and improving economic opportunities for young Nigerians through practical skills development.
According to him, the programme should not be seen as the final stage for beneficiaries but the beginning of a journey towards entrepreneurship, business growth and community impact.
“However, this is not the finish line for our beneficiaries—it is only the beginning. The skills acquired during this programme, combined with the tools provided, represent an opportunity to build sustainable livelihoods, create jobs and transform communities. We encourage every participant to continue improving their craft and become ambassadors of excellence and entrepreneurship in their respective fields,” he added.
Stakeholders at the programme stressed the growing importance of vocational education and practical skills acquisition in tackling unemployment and driving inclusive economic development across the country.
They noted that TVET remains one of the key pathways for creating employment opportunities, especially for young people seeking alternatives to traditional white-collar jobs.
Beneficiaries also expressed appreciation for the opportunity, saying the training and support would significantly improve their businesses and economic prospects.
Some participants said the starter kits and work tools would help them begin operations immediately without the major challenge of sourcing equipment after training.
The initiative further reflects the Federal Ministry of Education’s commitment to strengthening TVET as a strategy for employment creation, entrepreneurship development and national growth.
Observers noted that the collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Education, EGO Foundation and Access Corporation demonstrates the impact of strategic public-private partnerships in expanding access to vocational education and economic opportunities.
According to stakeholders, combining government support, implementation expertise and private-sector investment has created meaningful opportunities for artisans and entrepreneurs to improve productivity, increase income and contribute to national development.
The programme also highlights Access Corporation’s broader commitment to promoting youth empowerment, economic inclusion and sustainable livelihoods through investments in human capital development.
As Nigeria continues to confront rising unemployment and economic challenges, stakeholders say partnerships that focus on practical skills, entrepreneurship and business support will play an important role in building a more productive and self-reliant workforce.
