FCT: FG trains 3,000 youths in various skills

The Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the World Bank, on Friday flagged off the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project TVET Training Initiative, marking the official start of technical and vocational training for young Nigerians in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Speaking at the event, the National Project […]

The Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the World Bank, on Friday flagged off the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project TVET Training Initiative, marking the official start of technical and vocational training for young Nigerians in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Speaking at the event, the National Project Coordinator, Mrs Blessing Ogwu, said the federal government had established extensive monitoring mechanisms to ensure the programme’s success.

“In each of the 774 local government areas, we have designated officers who will track progress and submit reports to the Monitoring and Evaluation unit. We also have zonal M&E officers and an independent third-party monitoring team that will submit its findings directly to the Honourable Minister of Education,” she said.

Ogwu disclosed that about 3,000 youths would be trained in the Abuja zone over six months. She noted that the programme’s sustainability had been built into its funding model, saying, “The cost structure has been designed to ensure long-term affordability.”

She added that the initiative aligns with the federal government’s broader reforms in the technical education sector, including the conversion of former science and technical colleges into full-fledged technical colleges to strengthen technological development.

Chairman of the Training Service Providers (TSPs) Committee, Dr Bright Omezuike, said the flag-off brought together 20 training providers, each with 20 trainees for the initial phase.

“Our main objective today was to enlighten participants and ensure they fully understand the purpose of the programme. Some were already active in the field, but many still needed clarity on the overall goals,” he said.

Omezuike expressed confidence in the durability of the initiative. “The level of encouragement, engagement, and interest shown—even within just one month—has been very promising. With this momentum, we are confident that the programme will be sustained effectively,” he said.

In his welcome address, the Director and Principal of FTC Orozo, Mr Omale O.A. Frank, described the launch as “a historic milestone” in national efforts to empower young people with market-ready skills.

“The NYESAF framework is a visionary blueprint designed to bridge the gap between learning and livelihood. As a technical institution, we are proud to host this event because it aligns with our core mandate to produce skilled, self-reliant, and innovative young Nigerians,”he said.

Frank commended the Federal Ministry of Education and partners for championing reforms in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

He urged Nigerian youths to take advantage of the opportunity, saying, “This initiative offers a chance to take your future in your own hands—to learn, to innovate, and to create value.”