The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to advancing youth skills development and driving sustainable employment through strengthened technical and vocational education across the country.
Through the Federal Ministry of Education and the Innovation Development for Effective Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project, the government is expanding access to high-quality, market-relevant technical and vocational training designed to reduce unemployment and enhance workforce readiness among young Nigerians.
The IDEAS Project, under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, aligns squarely with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Tinubu, which prioritizes human capital development, youth empowerment, and inclusive economic transformation as pillars of national growth.
Supported by the World Bank, a statement by Boriowo Folasade, Director Press and Public Relations Department, said the project is strengthening skills acquisition systems across accredited technical and vocational institutions nationwide.
Nigeria currently represents one of the World Bank’s largest education portfolios in West and Central Africa, underscoring the scale, strategic importance, and impact of this partnership.
As part of ongoing monitoring and evaluation efforts, the World Bank delegation recently visited Wavecrest School, a participating hospitality training institution under the IDEAS Project.
During the visit, the World Bank Lead Education Specialist and Regional Manager, Scherezad Latif, commended the progress recorded and expressed satisfaction with the quality of delivery.
“We are encouraged by the students’ motivation and the quality of market-relevant training being delivered,” she noted, describing the initiative as transformative in enhancing youth employability and strengthening Nigeria’s skills ecosystem.
Providing further insight into the implementation framework, the National Project Coordinator of IDEAS, Mrs. Blessing Ehi Ogwu, explained that the project emphasizes competency-based training tailored to meet evolving labour market demands. Prospective trainees apply through a transparent and merit-based online process and are matched with accredited colleges and specialized training centres across the federation.
She highlighted that the programme is deliberately structured to ensure strong industry participation. Industry partners play an active role in curriculum development, training delivery, and practical sessions, thereby guaranteeing alignment between training outcomes and real-world workforce needs.
Upon completion, many participants transition seamlessly into internship placements, with a growing number already securing gainful employment in their respective sectors.
IDEAS Project represents a critical intervention in repositioning technical and vocational education as a viable and attractive pathway to prosperity.
He emphasized that the Ministry remains focused on bridging the long-standing gap between education and industry, ensuring that graduates possess not only certificates but also practical, job-ready competencies.
The Federal Ministry of Education further stated that measurable progress continues to be recorded in improving access, enhancing institutional capacity, and fostering stronger collaboration between training institutions and employers.
These efforts are directly contributing to national economic reform objectives by equipping young Nigerians with the skills required to participate productively in a modern, diversified economy.
As implementation expands nationwide, the Ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to scaling impact, strengthening accountability mechanisms, and ensuring that investments in skills development translate into sustainable livelihoods, enterprise growth, and long-term economic resilience.
The Federal Government reiterates that empowering Nigeria’s youth with relevant skills is central to building a competitive workforce, reducing unemployment, and unlocking the country’s vast human capital potential.