The Federal Ministry of Education, through the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS)-TVET Project, has commenced the training of 1,225 youths in Cross River State, reaffirming its commitment to tackling unemployment through technical and vocational skills development.
The training, which is part of the third cohort of the IDEAS-TVET Project, was flagged off at Marian Hotel, Calabar, with stakeholders stressing the importance of equipping young Nigerians with practical skills for employment, entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
The National Project Coordinator, Mrs Blessing Ogwu, said the programme was designed to create opportunities, build human capital and equip young Nigerians with practical skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Ogwu, represented by the National Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Eldad Domshak Dalokom, said the IDEAS-TVET Project was currently training about 80,000 young Nigerians in various skills across the country.
He said the project was intended to make skills acquisition a credible pathway to productive livelihoods and national development.
Dalokom urged the trainees to take the programme seriously, stressing that they must maintain at least 65 per cent monthly attendance to qualify for the ₦30,000 monthly stipend provided by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Education.
He also charged the facilitators to maintain high standards, provide practical and hands-on training, mentor the trainees and create an enabling environment for effective learning.
“The quality of the training delivered will ultimately determine the impact of the investment being made through the IDEAS Project,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the seven Training Service Providers (TSPs) in Cross River State, Mrs Comfort Inyang said the providers, despite offering training in different fields, were united by a commitment to equip beneficiaries with practical skills to earn a living, serve their communities and build dignified livelihoods.
Inyang expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Education, the World Bank and the IDEAS-TVET Project for providing the opportunity to contribute to the development of youths across the state.
She urged the trainees to be committed to the training, noting that skills were acquired through regular attendance, attention, asking questions, attempting difficult tasks, accepting corrections and continuous practice.
Inyang said the training would strengthen households and create opportunities for beneficiaries to establish enterprises and earn income after graduation.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Adviser, Administration to the Governor’s Wife, Dr Comfort Oko, and the Special Adviser, Programmes, Apostle Queen Eton, described the project as an opportunity to make Nigerian youths skilled, self-reliant and employable.
They urged the trainees to remain focused and resilient, take advantage of technology and promote their skills to attract patronage.
In a vote of thanks, Ms Goodness Obeten, speaking on behalf of the trainees, appreciated the Federal Ministry of Education and other implementing partners for the programme, pledging that the beneficiaries would work hard and, in turn, pass their knowledge to others.
She also appealed for the sustainability of the initiative to enable more youths to benefit.
In separate goodwill messages, the Executive Secretary, Calabar Chamber of Commerce, Mr Kenneth Asim Ita, and the Secretary, Business Owners Association, Calabar, Hon Asuquo Obed, encouraged the trainees to consider registering their businesses, saying there were future entrepreneurs and CEOs among them.
They noted that while education remained important, combining education with practical skills could provide opportunities for multiple streams of income.
The IDEAS-TVET Project is a six-month programme implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education with support from the World Bank to promote skills development, employment, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
In Cross River State, the seven Training Service Providers are Phezshore Global Okoyong and BUBA Girl Calabar, offering makeup, hair installation and gele tying; 15-12 IBS Ukwa, Wattex Nigeria Ltd and Aresnuel Ehom, offering fashion designing and garment making; Fonne Resources, offering fishery and aquaculture; and Event Custodian Awi, offering catering and hospitality.
