The Federal Government has restated its resolve to curb youth unemployment through targeted investment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), following commendation from the World Bank over Nigeria’s skills development push.
The endorsement was contained in a statement issued today, by the Federal Ministry of Education and signed by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.
The Honourable Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the government remains focused on confronting youth joblessness through structured skills acquisition programmes. He spoke after a high-level inspection visit by the World Bank’s Education Practice Manager for West and Central Africa, Scherezad Latif, to Wavecrest College of Hospitality, one of the centres participating in the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project.
Dr. Alausa stated that the IDEAS Project aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which places emphasis on human capital development, youth empowerment and inclusive growth. He disclosed that over 3,000 IDEAS TVET centres are currently operational across the country, delivering competency-based training tailored to labour market needs.
The Minister explained that beneficiaries are selected through transparent processes and undergo six months of industry-focused training, after which they receive starter packs to begin their ventures. He added that collaboration with the Bank of Industry is in progress to enable graduates access soft loans.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining funding for skills development programmes aimed at boosting employment, encouraging entrepreneurship and strengthening the nation’s economic outlook.
