In a decisive move to boost youth empowerment through technical and vocational education, the Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the World Bank and the Fabsi Institute of Entrepreneurship, inaugurated a digital skills training programme for 200 Nigerian youths in Suleja, Niger State, on Monday.
This initiative, part of the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS)/Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET 2) Project, aims to equip young Nigerians with practical skills in computer hardware and mobile phone repairs. The programme also focuses on fostering self-reliance, innovation, and entrepreneurship among participants.
At the launch, Dr. Ngozi Onwudiwe, retired Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, described the programme as “a launch of dreams and a doorway to opportunity.”
“Today, we are not merely initiating a training programme; we are opening doors for young Nigerians to shape their futures, create solutions, and write success stories,” she stated.
Dr. Onwudiwe emphasised that the programme is a strategic investment in the nation’s youth, providing them with crucial technical and entrepreneurial skills necessary to thrive in a technologically driven economy. “Those who master technology and its repairs hold the key to tomorrow’s economy. This initiative aims to transform our youth into problem-solvers, innovators, and entrepreneurs — the leaders Nigeria needs in this digital era.”
She praised the collaborative effort between the Federal Ministry of Education, the World Bank, and the Fabsi Institute as a “model of impactful partnership” involving government, international agencies, and local institutions.
“Investing in skills development is investing in peace, progress, and prosperity,” Dr. Onwudiwe added. “To the trainees, your dedication here can change your lives. Be disciplined, creative, and honest — the world rewards not just what you can do, but who you are.”
Closing her remarks, she reminded participants that “the future belongs to those willing to learn, innovate, and lead with integrity.”
Dr. Ali Onoja, CEO of the African Health Project and Proprietor of Fabsi Institute of Entrepreneurship, disclosed the six-month programme targets youths between 15 and 35 years old, offering hands-on training, certification, and internships designed to improve their employability.
“This initiative is set to significantly enhance digital literacy and job readiness,” Onoja said. He added that successful trainees would be registered with the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), boosting their chances for formal employment and entrepreneurship.
The curriculum follows guidelines from the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) and National Occupational Standards (NOS) certified by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Reflecting on previous successes, Onoja revealed that more than 1,000 youths, including persons with disabilities, have benefitted from earlier phases of the IDEAS project, delivered in partnership with firms such as Ubelle Nigeria Limited and Neo Cloud Technologies.
“Of the 529 trainees enrolled in the 2024 cohort, 460 earned certifications in high-demand fields like data analytics, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and graphic design,” he noted. “We anticipate a 100 percent certification rate for this current batch.”
The programme promises to be a vital stepping stone for Nigeria’s youth, equipping them with the skills and opportunities to drive technological innovation and economic growth.
