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Towards empowering the Nigerian youths, World Bank $60 Million grant has been earmarked for their skills training through the Nigerian Youth Employment through Skills Acquisition Fund (NYESAF).
The pilot project, which is targeting 75,000 Nigerian youths in various trades in the first phase, is being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education and the Innovation, Development, and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Projects, with financing provided by the World Bank.
Speaking with journalists during NYESAF Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)/Contract Signing Ceremony and Implementation Workshop in Abuja, the representative of the World Bank, Dr. Mrs. Dora Adedoyin, noted that the training is not for youths in schools or in any employment or already in other training.
She said "Objective of the idea is to see how we will enhance the capacity of the Nigerian Skills development system to provide skills for both the formal and informal sectors. And the National component is focusing on youths that are not in education, employment or training. NYESAF looks at using result based contracting to provide short duration training for youth.
"And we are looking at training about 75,000 trainees going forward. The cost of the training will vary based on the trade and the market prices of the Training Service Providers (TSPs).
The pilot model which is using short duration training is looking at $60 million for NYESAF."
At the workshop, she warned the TSPs to only sign for what they can handle, stressing that mechanism is in place to check frauds, like submitting names of friends and family members.
Despite high unemployment rate in the country, she noted that labourers are still being imported into Nigeria and that NYESAF aims to counter it.
Stressing that NYESAF, which is a pilot project, have all eyes are on it including banks, the Ministry and other stakeholders, she said similar projects have been done in places like Kenya and other African countries.
Disclosing that work has been going on on the project for over 8 months, she said the TSAs were selected through a competitive bidding process.
"Put in your best, don't commit to what you can't do. This project is not focused on youths already doing something. It is focused on the unemployed." she stated.
National Coordinator IDEAS Project, Mrs Blessing Ehi Ogwu, in her welcome address, said that the program is poised to transform the landscape of youth employment and skills development in Nigeria.
According to her, the initiative also strongly supports Mr. President's Renewed Hope Agenda by contributing to skills development, entrepreneurship, job creation, and more.
She said "At the heart of the IDEAS Project is the belief that empowering our youth with relevant skills is not just an investment in their futures but a critical building block for the long-term development of our nation.
"The NYESAF initiative, under the guidance of this project, aims to provide the necessary support to help our young people become more employable, entrepreneurial, and economically independent
"Today's event marks a pivotal step in the journey of the NYESAF. We are not merely signing contracts; we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient workforce.
"Through collaboration with our partners, stakeholders, and committed institutions, we will create a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of young Nigerians.
"As we gather here today, it is essential to recognize the immense responsibility we bear. The successful implementation of this initiative will depend on our collective efforts, dedication, and willingness to innovate. Each one of us has a critical role to play in ensuring the success of this project.
"Let me also take this opportunity to remind all of us that the IDEAS Project is not just a program it is a movement. A movement that seeks to empower, equip, and elevate the youth of Nigeria to become the leaders of tomorrow. We must work diligently to keep the momentum going, foster partnerships, nurture talent, and create opportunities." she said
Speaking to journalists, she said the IDEAS project is a five years programme and focusing on unemployment among Nigerian youths.
The project's 4 components, she listed as Component one focusing on technical education, component two focusing on the informal sector, the out of school, the vulnerable, the physical challenged, the component three is focusing on technical teachers education, while component four is Innovation Grant IGM, which cater for gender based violence and others.
Giving a brief on the NYESAF, the the Project NPCU, Mr. Ndem Ndiyo, noted that before the TSPs were selected, they went through rigorous process and people dispatched to inspect their facilities.
Disclosing that the project fund is accessible by both public and private TSPs, he said, it is targeting youths between ages 15 and 35.
According to him, only Nigerians will National Identification Number (NIN) will be trained with priority for women.
He also warned the TSPs that they will be blacklisted by the Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders if they use the grant for anything outside the objectives and goals of NYESAF.
He urged them to be open to auditing and have Bank account solely dedicated to the project.
One of the trainers, Jafaru Armed from Federal College of Education Technical Training Centre, assured the World Bank and the Ministry that they are equal to the task and will do their best to give quality training to Nigerian youths.
"These programmes are good for our youth. It is a great project that will empower youths with skills so that they can make something good out of their lives." he stated