Reaffirming its commitment to empowering young Nigerians through technical and vocational education, the Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the World Bank and the Fabsi Institute of Entrepreneurship, on Monday launched a digital skills development programme for 200 youths in Suleja, Niger State.
The initiative, implemented under the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET 2) Project, aims to equip participants with practical skills in computer hardware and mobile phone repairs while promoting innovation, self-employment, and entrepreneurship.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Ngozi Onwudiwe, retired Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, described the programme as “a launch of dreams and a doorway to opportunity.”
“We are not just launching a training programme; we are launching dreams,” she said. “We are opening doors of opportunity for young Nigerians to take charge of their future and become creators of solutions.”
Dr. Onwudiwe emphasized that the initiative represents a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future workforce, preparing them with both technical and entrepreneurial competencies required to thrive in the digital economy.
“Those who understand technology and how to fix it will shape tomorrow’s economy,” she added. “This programme turns our youth into innovators and problem-solvers — the kind of leaders Nigeria needs in this digital age.”
She commended the partnership between the Ministry of Education, the World Bank, and the Fabsi Institute, describing it as a model for effective collaboration between government, development partners, and private institutions.
“Every investment in skill development is an investment in peace, progress, and prosperity,” she said. “Be disciplined, creative, and honest — the world rewards both competence and character.”
Also speaking, Dr. Ali Onoja, Chief Executive Officer of the African Health Project and Proprietor of Fabsi Institute, explained that the six-month training programme would provide participants aged 15–35 with hands-on learning, certification, and internship opportunities.
“This project will improve digital literacy and employability,” Onoja said. “Successful trainees will be registered with the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), boosting their career and business prospects.”
He added that the curriculum aligns with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) and National Occupational Standards (NOS) approved by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Highlighting past successes, Onoja revealed that over 1,000 young Nigerians, including persons with disabilities, have benefited from earlier phases of the IDEAS project.
Mrs. Blessing Ogwu, National Coordinator of the IDEAS-TVET initiative, represented by Mrs. Uche Mbaogu, clarified that the programme is completely free, funded through a World Bank-supported federal loan facility.
“The government took this loan to ensure no young person is left untrained,” she said. “We must equip our youth to become job creators, not job seekers.”
She concluded by reaffirming that the project aims to curb unemployment, reduce dependency on white-collar jobs, and foster inclusive development across Nigeria.
