Suleja: No fewer than 1,500 youths have benefitted from the digital skills training under a collaboration between the Federal Government’s World Bank-supported IDEAS/TVET Project and African Health Project.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the World Bank-supported Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) initiative under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme was aimed at enhancing job opportunities for youths across Nigeria.
Dr Ali Onoja, Chief Executive Officer of African Health Project and proprietor of Fabsi Institute of Entrepreneurship, disclosed this during the inauguration of the digital skills training in Suleja. Onoja said 529 youths were trained in the pilot digital-skills training programme implemented between January and June 2024, adding that of the 529 youths, 460 successfully met certification requirements. He added that subsequent training engagements supported by Ubelle Nigeria Limited and partners trained over 1,000 additional youths, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to well over 1,500.
In addition to the recent phase in Suleja, African Health Project has been approved to train 200 youths aged 15 to 35 in computer hardware and mobile device repairs. Successful participants will be registered with the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN) to improve their employability prospects. Onoja noted that the programme spans a minimum of six months, including certification and industry-based internships, with completion assessed at the point of job placement or self-employment.
Earlier, National Project Coordinator of IDEAS/TVET, Mrs Uche Mbaogwu, described the initiative as part of a national strategy to curb unemployment by empowering youths with industry-driven digital skills. The national coordinator, represented by Mrs Blessing Ogwu of the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit, noted that the training was offered free-of-charge to beneficiaries as part of the government’s efforts to foster innovation and promote inclusive development.
She highlighted IDEAS/TVET’s commitment to providing accessible skills, knowledge, and opportunities required for competitiveness in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. She commended African Health Project for its professionalism, describing the organisation as a nation builder helping Nigeria shape the future of its young people.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, Dr Ngozi Onwudiwe, described the initiative as a platform for igniting dreams and opening doors of opportunity for young Nigerians. Onwudiwe, a retired Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, emphasized the importance of character, discipline, innovation, and entrepreneurship in a tech-driven global economy. She noted that the collaboration among government, global partners, and local institutions exemplifies the impact of empowering Nigerian youths.