By Obah Sylva
The Federal Government and the World Bank have begun a new round of technical and vocational training under the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project, with 777 participants starting courses in Abuja. The wider programme is targeting or has reached about 80,000 young Nigerians across its training cohorts, according to officials statement.
The Abuja trainees are part of the project’s third cohort and are drawn from seven accredited Training Service Providers. A separate batch of about 900 young people has also started training in Oyo State.
Key Highlights
- 777 young Nigerians have begun IDEAS-TVET training in Abuja through seven providers.
- The wider project is targeting about 80,000 Nigerians and has also supported the upskilling of about 4,000 technical teachers and instructors.
- Courses cover digital and creative media, cosmetology, construction, agriculture and other practical fields.
- About 900 youths aged 15 to 35 have begun a separate training batch in Oyo State.
- Some eligible trainees may receive a ₦30,000 monthly stipend, subject to attendance and verification conditions.
FG and World Bank Launch IDEAS Skills Training
The latest Abuja training was inaugurated under the IDEAS Project, implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education with World Bank support. Seven training providers are delivering courses intended to improve participants’ employability and entrepreneurship prospects.
The Abuja courses include digital and creative media, beauty and cosmetology, construction and building trades, agriculture and agribusiness. The providers are expected to deliver practical, competency-based instruction rather than classroom lessons alone.
The IDEAS Project’s official website says the initiative aims to improve Nigeria’s technical and vocational education and training system and align skills development more closely with labour-market needs.
IDEAS Project Targets About 80,000 Nigerians
Officials described the Abuja trainees as part of a broader national effort. ACCI President Emeka Obegolu said the project had trained approximately 80,000 young Nigerians nationwide across previous cohorts, according to VON’s report.
The IDEAS Project has also supported the upskilling of about 4,000 technical teachers and instructors. The 80,000 figure refers to the wider programme, not 80,000 new enrollees at the Abuja flag-off.
777 Beneficiaries Begin Training in Abuja
The 777 participants are beginning the latest phase under the project’s third cohort. According to the report, the training providers are offering practical courses designed to produce work samples and portfolios that participants can use to pursue employment, freelance work or entrepreneurship.
The project’s current cohort uses competency-based training aligned with National Skills Qualification standards. It also provides pathways to industry internships and employment support, although recent launch announcements did not give outcome figures showing how many past trainees secured jobs or established sustainable businesses.
Oyo Begins Training for 900 Youths
In Ibadan, about 900 youths aged between 15 and 35 began training through the Federal Ministry of Education and Agribusiness Management and Rural Development Company. The courses cover catering and hospitality, crop production and processing, computer hardware and phone repairs, livestock production, fisheries and aquaculture.
The reports also said National Project Coordinator Blessing Ogwu was represented at the event by Chidiebere Ihuoma.
Training Covers Agriculture, ICT and Construction
The IDEAS Project includes skills training in a range of vocational fields. Abuja participants are studying digital and creative media, cosmetology, construction and agriculture, while the Oyo batch includes crop production, aquaculture, poultry-related livestock skills, hospitality and digital or technical trades.
Other batches have included fashion, information and communication technology, electrical installation, automotive trades, welding, plumbing and solar installation. The course mix is intended to support both wage employment and self-employment.
Eligible Trainees May Receive ₦30,000 Stipend
Some eligible IDEAS-TVET participants may receive a ₦30,000 monthly stipend. New Horizons Systems Solutions said participants in its training batch must meet an attendance threshold and have their attendance verified before payment.
The requirement for that batch was at least 60 per cent attendance. Stipend eligibility and terms may vary by training provider and cohort.
Programme Aims to Connect Training With Work
The Federal Ministry of Education has said the project is intended to give young Nigerians practical skills that can help them find employment or start businesses. The programme also invests in workshops, equipment and instructor development, recognising that vocational training depends on capable instructors and properly equipped facilities.
The model connects training to industry through internships and employment support. Its longer-term impact will depend on whether participants complete their courses and turn the skills into sustainable work and income.
As the third cohort expands across states, completion rates, job placement and business outcomes will help show how effectively the programme translates skills training into livelihoods.
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