FG’s IDEAS-TVET project ‘ll empower thousands in Anambra – Prof Onyeizugbe
Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The Director of UNIZIK Centre for Capital Market Studies, Professor Chinedu Onyeizugbe, has stated that the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) project, currently being implemented in Anambra State will engage thousands of youths in gainful employment.
The IDEAS Project is a federal government initiative championed by the Federal Ministry of Education with the support of the World Bank.
The project, which is also implemented in other states of the country, is aimed at enhancement of Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) by fostering industry-relevant skills, improving training quality, and promoting entrepreneurship.
Speaking at the flag-off of the Cohort Batch 2 training at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Prof Onyeizugbe described the project as a “game changer” that will help curb the biting youth unemployment in the society.
According to him, “The programme is a game changer as far as youth empowerment is concerned in Nigeria and the impact has started paying off.”
He said in his centre, no fewer than 150 trainees were acquiring skills in fashion design and garment making, and within one month, some had already started sewing for themselves.
“It is very huge and considering that we have 11 Training Service Providers in Anambra, with some with over 250 trainees population, the results will be very huge.
“We are through with cohort one, and this is cohort two. So, by the time cohort three will begin, thousands of people will be employed in Anambra State, not to talk of other states in Nigeria, ” he said.
The University don said the project is a strategic intervention in Nigeria’s development. He noted that the initiative is offering a practical solution to youth unemployment by equipping young Nigerians with market-relevant skills aligned with national standards.
Presenting an address on behalf of the Project’s National Coordinator, Mrs. Blessing Ogwu, Eldad Domshak explained that the training provided to youths at no cost is an investment that will yield transformative results for Nigerians.
He said, “It is a pivotal step in our National efforts to empower Nigerian youths with skill, knowledge and opportunities they need to thrive in a fast evolving world.
“Through this initiative, we have reaffirmed our resolve to tackle unemployment and foster innovations for more inclusive development across our great nation.
“The IDEAS-TVET initiative is currently training about 40,000 Noigerian youths in various skills including fashion design, garment making, vulcanizing and tire repairs, computer hardware and GSM repair, among others across the country.
“The programme consists of classroom sessions, internship for real-world experience, and entrepreneurship mentorship to equip trainees for business management and self-employment.”
UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Anyaehie, in his brief remark, urged beneficiaries to seize the opportunity and allow the program to be a springboard to their success.
“God has sent you here to learn in a way that will touch your lives. This is a program that tries to empower you to live a better life.”
He stated that the University would award certification to successful trainees and assured partnership opportunities for those venturing into entrepreneurship.
