By Mustapha Yauri
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.
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, African Health Project and proprietor, Fabsi Institute of Entrepreneurship, disclosed this during the inauguration of the digital skills training in Suleja on Monday.
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.
“This brings the total number of beneficiaries already reached through the IDEAS/TVET and Fabsi partnership to well over 1,500 youths.
“Beside the 1,500 trained youths in the latest phase inaugurated 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), towards improving their employability prospects,’’ he said.
Onoja said 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, 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, described the initiative as part of a national strategy to curb unemployment by empowering youths with industry-driven digital skills.
She 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.
According to her, IDEAS/TVET remains committed 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 “not just a facilitator, but 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, who was a retired Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, stressed the importance of character, discipline, innovation and entrepreneurship in a tech-driven global economy.
“What we are witnessing is a powerful example of collaboration for impact on government, global partners, and local institutions working together to empower the Nigerian youths,” she said. (NAN)
Edited by Muhammad Lawal
