Federal Government and World Bank train 1,475 Benue youths and 80,000 nationwide under the IDEAS TVET program.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Education, has empowered 1,475 youths in Benue State with vocational skills under the IDEAS TVET Training Initiative, supported by the World Bank. The training program officially commenced in June 2026 and was flagged off on October 2, 2026, at Government Model Secondary School Makurdi.
The project is designed to promote employment, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment across Nigeria, targeting young people between the ages of 12 and 35. Various Training Services Providers have been engaged to deliver hands-on instruction in multiple trade areas to tackle unemployment.
National Project Coordinator Mrs Blessing Ogwu stated that approximately 80,000 Nigerians have benefited nationwide, according to information published by The Sun Nigeria.
IDEAS TVET Training Initiative Overview
Represented by Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Haruna Tahiru, Mrs Blessing Ogwu explained that the project builds human capital and strengthens Nigeria's technical education ecosystem. The Federal Ministry of Education has invested heavily in infrastructure, equipment, and human capacity development across various technical colleges.
About 4,000 technical teachers and instructors have been upskilled, while workshops in technical colleges have been renovated and equipped with essential facilities. Beneficiaries are trained in diverse fields such as fashion design, ICT, agriculture, hospitality, construction, electrical installation, and solar installation.
Stipends and Attendance Requirements
Trainees receive a monthly stipend of N30,000, which was increased from N22,500, provided by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Education. Program managers noted that participants must maintain at least 65 percent monthly attendance to qualify for these financial supports.
Mrs Comfort Ochepo of Godcom Ventures emphasized that the six months program aims to reduce social vices by engaging young people in productive activities. Trainees also receive transportation support while acquiring practical skills for self-reliance.
State Government and Provider Support
State officials including Education Commissioner Mrs Margaret Adamu and Digital Economy Commissioner Amanda Kwaghgba expressed strong support for the initiative. They praised President Bola Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia for promoting youth empowerment and technological development.
Training provider Mrs Sarah Ejembi of Topcy Cakes and Events highlighted that her center is training 100 youths in baking and confectionery. Trainees have already begun producing and selling items, generating income and achieving financial independence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IDEAS TVET Training Initiative?
The IDEAS TVET Training Initiative is a skill acquisition program implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education with support from the World Bank to promote employment and entrepreneurship.
How many youths have benefited from the program?
Approximately 80,000 Nigerians nationwide have benefited from the skills training, including 1,475 youths specifically empowered in Benue State.
What is the monthly stipend for trainees?
Trainees receive a monthly stipend of N30,000 provided by the Federal Government, subject to maintaining at least 65 percent attendance each month.
Which areas of vocational training are covered?
Training areas include fashion design, ICT, agriculture, hospitality, construction, plumbing, welding and fabrication, solar installation, and baking and confectionery.
