The Federal Government and the World Bank have launched a new vocational and technical training programme targeting 80,000 young Nigerians across the country.
The training is being implemented under the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project by the Federal Ministry of Education with funding support from the World Bank.
The third cohort of the programme was flagged off on Friday, October 3, 2026, at the Abuja Trade and Convention Centre, where 777 young Nigerians began training in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The trainees are drawn from seven accredited Training Service Providers in Abuja.
According to the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), the 777 youths in Abuja are part of about 80,000 young people undergoing training nationwide under the IDEAS Project. A separate batch of 900 youths aged 15 to 35 has also started training in Oyo State, while 200 youths have started in Kwara State.
The First Deputy President of ACCI and Chairman of its Business Entrepreneurship Skills and Technology (BEST) Centre, Professor Adesoji Adesugba, said the programme is addressing a major gap between Nigeria’s youthful population and skills demanded by employers.
He said, “Nigeria’s challenge is not a shortage of young people. It is a shortage of young people equipped with skills the market is willing to pay for. Our economy does not need more certificates. It needs more competencies.”
He urged beneficiaries to take the training seriously, noting that course fees, equipment, facilities and instruction have been fully paid for under the programme.
Courses available under the IDEAS TVET training include digital and creative media, beauty and cosmetology, construction and building trades, agriculture and agribusiness, fashion design, ICT, electrical installation, plumbing, welding, automotive repairs, solar installation, hospitality and more.
The Deputy Director-General of ACCI and Head of BEST Centre, Dr. Tinuke Temitope, confirmed that the programme aims to improve employability and entrepreneurship prospects for young Nigerians.
According to reports, eligible trainees may receive a monthly stipend of N30,000 subject to attendance and verification. Free training, certification, industry exposure and starter kits are also part of the support structure depending on the skill area.
The IDEAS Project’s official website says the initiative aims to improve Nigeria’s technical and vocational education and training system and align skills development with labour market needs. The programme has also supported the upskilling of about 4,000 technical teachers and instructors nationwide.
The training can last up to 6 months. Interested applicants are advised to apply through accredited Training Service Providers in their states or visit the Federal Ministry of Education IDEAS portal for registration details.
This is a big opportunity for Nigerian youths to acquire practical skills that can help them secure jobs or start their own businesses.
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