Lokoja:The Federal Government has commenced skills training for over 1,000 participants as part of Cohort 3 of the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS-TVET) initiative in Kogi.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the IDEAS-TVET programme is executed by the Federal Ministry of Education with support from the World Bank. It collaborates with accredited Training Service Providers throughout Nigeria to enhance the development of technical and vocational skills.
The inauguration event took place on Friday in Lokoja, featuring service providers from 10 skills acquisition centres across the state. The training covers areas such as fashion design and garment making, solar photovoltaic installation and maintenance, and catering and event management.
Mrs. Blessing Ogwu, the National Project Coordinator of IDEAS-TVET, stated that the initiative aims to provide Nigerians with vocational, technical, and digital skills relevant to industry demands. She emphasized that the programme seeks to shift focus from paper qualifications to building a skilled workforce capable of driving economic transformation.
Speaking through Dr. Samaila Dogoyaro, Communication Officer of the Benue Project Implementation Unit, Ogwu highlighted that skills development is essential for employment, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment in Nigeria. The project has also upgraded workshops in technical colleges, bolstered TVET institutions, and enhanced the skills of approximately 4,000 teachers and instructors.
She noted that the IDEAS-TVET Initiative has directly reached around 80,000 Nigerians through various Training Service Providers nationwide, covering occupational areas such as ICT, agriculture, hospitality, construction, electrical installation, and more. The programme includes women and other underrepresented groups in its training efforts.
Ogwu encouraged trainees to take the opportunity seriously, noting that achieving at least 65 percent attendance is required to qualify for a N30,000 stipend. This attendance policy ensures that trainees gain adequate practical exposure and necessary competence.
Mr. Ajayi Olufemi, Centre Manager at Memorial Foundation Chateko Vocational Institute, reported that 150 trainees are engaged in fashion design and garment making. He shared that some trainees were able to make their own dresses within three months of training.
Mr. Anthony Achenaje, representing Jubilee 20 Park in Lokoja, mentioned that 100 trainees are involved in catering and event management training, with the goal of mastering the trade to become self-sufficient and employable.
A trainee, Mrs. Josephine David, expressed that the programme has significantly enhanced her skills, allowing her to operate a sewing machine and produce clothing. She credited IDEAS-TVET for the value it has added to her abilities.