In a move to strengthen Nigeria’s technical and vocational education framework, the Federal Government and the World Bank have begun a new phase of training under the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project at Twim Institute, Ibadan. The initiative aims to equip young Nigerians with industry-relevant skills in line with national efforts to enhance employability and entrepreneurship.

The training programme, launched on Wednesday, October 29, is part of the Federal Ministry of Education’s broader drive to modernize Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) across the country.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Olumide Adeleye, Founder of Twim Institute and a doctoral researcher at the University of Eastern Finland, highlighted the importance of preparing Nigeria’s youth for the demands of a rapidly changing economy.

“Nigeria has one of the world’s most youthful populations. By the end of this century, we will have about 700 million people,” Adeleye noted. “This population is a potential strength, but only if young people are equipped with the skills the modern economy demands.”

He explained that Twim Institute is currently training participants in Creative Media Production, with a focus on employability and entrepreneurship, ensuring learners can translate technical skills into viable career or business pathways.

Representing the National Project Coordinator of the IDEAS Project, Mr. Akintunde Babarinde, the programme’s Procurement Consultant, reaffirmed the World Bank-backed initiative’s goal of expanding access to vocational training nationwide. He encouraged the Oyo State Government to support more training providers in adopting similar programmes that build job-ready skills among the youth.

Babarinde also disclosed that participants in the programme would benefit from fully sponsored training, internship placements, a six-month monthly allowance, certification, and potential startup grants to help them launch small enterprises after completion.

The Training Programme Manager, Mrs. Moremi Adeleye, urged trainees to demonstrate discipline and commitment, noting that while the government is providing full sponsorship, achieving meaningful results depends on the seriousness of participants. She emphasized that Twim Institute maintains high academic and professional standards and warned that absenteeism or lateness would not be tolerated.

Representing the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Abiodun commended the Federal Government, the World Bank, and Twim Institute for the initiative, describing it as a model for fostering innovation and youth empowerment. She called for stronger collaboration between state and federal agencies to ensure sustainability.

Also present at the event was the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, represented by Mr. Fasasi Ismail, who pledged continued government support for initiatives promoting innovation, skills development, and youth employability.

The IDEAS Project, supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and the World Bank, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s vision to expand technical and vocational education as a tool for reducing unemployment and driving inclusive economic growth across Nigeria.