Federal Government has commenced free training for 26,000 youths nationwide under the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) project.

The initiative prioritises human capital development, youth empowerment, and sustainable economic growth.

The IDEAS project, domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Education and funded by the Federal Government in collaboration with the World Bank, is aimed at strengthening skills acquisition, enhancing employability, and reducing unemployment among Nigerian youths.

It is a key initiative of President Tinubu’s administration, committed to delivering globally aligned, high-impact education and workforce development programmes.

The 26,000 youths currently being trained are the third cohort of the scheme, which started last year with about 8,000 participants in the first two cohorts.

World Bank Practice Manager for Education in Africa (West and Central), Scherezad Latif, during an inspection visit to the Wavecrest College of Hospitality in Lagos, lauded the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling youth unemployment through technical skills development.

“Nigeria is one of our large programmes. I am here to look at the minister’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative through a project called IDEAS. We are very proud and happy to be part of the government’s programme, and to see all the results that have already been achieved through this programme,” she said.

Latif expressed delight at the motivation and clarity of the students, adding that the World Bank is proud to partner with the Federal Government on the initiative.

Also, the National Project Coordinator for the programme, Blessing Ogwu, stated that the training is free, and beneficiaries would receive starter packs and access to soft loans from the Bank of Industry (BoI) upon completion.

Deputy Provost of Wavecrest College of Hospitality, Ifeoma Nwabachili, explained that the programme aims to equip students with skills for employment, a dual focus on training and employment. Beneficiaries will undergo three months of hands-on training and three months of internship training in the industry.

Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries, Ihedioha Ifeanyinchukwu, thanked the Federal Government for the opportunity, expressing hope that the training would enhance his skills and employability.