Each Training Service Provider receives N50,000 monthly per trainee, representing N300,000 for the entire training period, to ensure effective delivery of the programme
The initiative, supported by the World Bank and implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education, is part of efforts to address the country’s skills gap, strengthen technical education and create opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.
The National Project Monitoring Officer for TVET and IDEAS in the Office of the Minister of Education, Mr. Olatunji Odewunmi, made this known during a monitoring visit to selected training centres in Lagos State.
The centres inspected were Elegant Twins Institute of Cosmetology, Surulere, and Federal Technical College (FTC), Yaba.
Odewunmi said the programme had recorded significant participation nationwide, with Lagos State alone hosting approximately 128 TVET centres offering different vocational training opportunities.
He explained that beneficiaries undergo six months of training and receive a monthly stipend of N30,000 to support their participation.
He added that each Training Service Provider receives N50,000 monthly per trainee, representing N300,000 for the entire training period, to ensure effective delivery of the programme.
According to him, beneficiaries are also provided with start-up packs to help them establish businesses and become economically independent after completing their training.
He noted that some participants had already received their start-up packages.
Odewunmi said the project was intended to build a skilled domestic workforce, reduce reliance on foreign artisans and equip Nigerians with competencies required by industries and the changing labour market.
He emphasised that regular monitoring was essential to ensure that training institutions maintained standards, fulfilled their contractual obligations and delivered value for government investment.
At Federal Technical College, Yaba, the IDEAS Project Manager, Abimbola Oyedeji, said the intervention, which started about five years ago, had improved practical training and increased student enrolment.
She identified the programme’s areas of intervention as blocklaying and concreting, tiling, woodwork, auto body building, computer craft and catering craft.
She said the training covered practical skills in furniture production, upholstery, carpentry, joinery, automobile mechanics, information and communication technology and robotics engineering.
Oyedeji appreciated the Federal Government for investing in technical education and strengthening the institution’s capacity to prepare students for the world of work.
At Elegant Twins Institute of Cosmetology, the Centre Manager, Kunle Oladunjoye, disclosed that the institution had been engaged to train 75 beneficiaries in beauty and cosmetology.
He described the selection of the institute as transparent and merit-based, adding that experienced professional instructors were handling the training.
He expressed satisfaction with the progress made by participants, saying they were developing the practical skills and confidence needed to establish businesses in the beauty industry.
The institute’s founder, Mrs. Elizabeth Adebisi Oshisoya, who said she had been involved in cosmetology training since 1950, commended the Federal Government for extending vocational training opportunities to more Nigerians.
Some beneficiaries at both centres also expressed appreciation for the initiative, particularly the free training, monthly stipends and access to practical equipment.
They said the skills acquired had improved their confidence and prepared them for employment, further education and self-employment.
The Federal Ministry of Education said the monitoring exercise was part of its commitment to ensuring that the IDEAS Project achieved its objectives through effective supervision, quality assurance and accountability.
The government reiterated its determination to expand access to technical and vocational education, strengthen local skills development and produce a competent workforce capable of contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.