The Federal Government has flagged off the 2nd cohort of trainees under the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) programme, as part of efforts to strengthen technical skills and tackle youth unemployment across Nigeria.
The IDEAS TVET programme is a Federal Government initiative under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises human capital development and economic growth. The project is funded through the Federal Ministry of Education and supported by the World Bank. It focuses on strengthening skills acquisition, enhancing employability, and reducing youth unemployment nationwide.
A World Bank Officer, Scherezad Latif, commended the Federal Government for its heavy investment in technical skills development across the country. Latif, who is the World Bank Education Practice Manager for West and Central Africa, spoke during a visit to Wavecrest College of Hospitality, Surulere, Lagos, one of the accredited training centres for the IDEAS TVET programme.
She explained that the visit was aimed at deepening partnerships and enhancing the delivery of technical and vocational education across accredited training service providers nationwide.
“I wish to commend this Federal Government Project, because it has been impactful and transformative for youth employment nationwide,” Latif said.
“I am here to review the Minister’s IDEAS TVET initiative, supported by the World Bank, as well as to see the impressive results, particularly here at Wavecrest College.
“We’re proud to support the Federal Government efforts and its achievements, even here in Wavecrest College. What we observed impressed us greatly.
“We are impressed, particularly by the students’ motivation, clarity of purpose, and confidence. Wavecrest stands as a model hospitality training institution delivering practical, industry-aligned skills,” she added.
The visit, which officially flagged off the 2nd cohort of trainees, included the inspection of modern training facilities, engagement with beneficiaries, and discussions on improving technical and vocational education outcomes across Nigeria. Units visited at the training centre included the kitchen, lecture rooms, computer and internet room, and the library.
In her remarks, Mrs Blessing Ogwu, the National Project Coordinator for the IDEAS Project at the Ministry of Education, disclosed that there are over 3,000 IDEAS TVET training centres currently running across the country with thousands of trainees enrolled.
Ogwu stated that upon completion of the six-month programme, trainees would be provided with a starter-pack to support their transition into the workforce or entrepreneurship.
She added that the Minister of Education is liaising with the Bank of Industry to secure soft loans for trainees to enable them set up their own businesses after graduation.
Ogwu urged participants to remain committed to the IDEAS TVET programme, noting that the Federal Government is investing heavily in technical skills development to empower youth, drive innovation, and boost sustainable economic growth.
Similarly, the Deputy Provost of Wavecrest College, Mrs Nwabachili Ifeoma, explained that the programme at the institution focuses on Catering and Hospitality Management. According to her, the training combines theory and practical sessions, mentorship, and internship opportunities to prepare participants for real industry experience.
Meanwhile, a beneficiary, Mbanefo Jennifer, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the opportunity and described the programme as amazing and life-changing.
“I sincerely thank the Federal Government for this opportunity. The programme has been transformative and our trainers are patient, inspiring and committed to equipping us with practical skills for success,” she said.
