In a renewed national drive to tackle youth unemployment and promote skills development, Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), in partnership with the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS)-TVET Initiative, has officially flagged off the Nigerian Youth Employment through Skills Acquisition Fund (NYESAF) at the Yusuf Grillo Auditorium of the College.
The programme, which is supported by the World Bank and the Federal Ministry of Education, aims to equip Nigerian youths with practical and sustainable vocational skills that will enhance their employability and self-reliance.
The initiative is one of several government-backed efforts to strengthen the country’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem.
Speaking at the event, the national Project coordinator of the IDEAS Project Office, Mrs. Blessing Ogwu, represented by the Programme Officer, Mrs Blessing Asemota, commended YABATECH for hosting the flag-off, describing the College as a “strategic partner in the mission to build a skilled and innovative Nigerian workforce.”
She explained that the current cohort of trainees will receive intensive hands-on training in digital and technical fields, including cell phone repairs and automobile mechanics, under the supervision of accredited training service providers.
“This marks a pivotal step in our national effort to empower Nigerian youth with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities they need to thrive in a fast-evolving world,” the Coordinator stated.
“Through this initiative, we reaffirm our resolve to tackle unemployment, foster innovation, and promote inclusive development across our great nation.
”She further revealed that each beneficiary would receive a stipend of ₦22,500 per month, alongside starter kits to facilitate learning and practice both at the training centres and at home.
“This package will help participants build competence even outside the classroom and encourage them to use their free time productively,” she added.
In his remarks, the Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Engr. Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, lauded the collaboration between the College, the Ministry of Education, and the World Bank, noting that the project aligns perfectly with YABATECH’s long-standing commitment to practical skill development and technological innovation.
He congratulated the trainees and urged them to embrace the opportunity with discipline, focus, and creativity.
PAlso speaking, a representative of one of the training providers, Engr. Best Nnodim of Richy-B Option Nigeria Limited, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the initiative.
He disclosed that their centre would train 70 youths in the auto-mechanics trade over a six-month period, with emphasis on discipline, innovation, and quality service delivery.
“We are proud to serve as a training service provider under this noble initiative. Our goal is to ensure that participants acquire not just technical skills, but also the mind-set of excellence that will make them dependable professionals and job creators,” he said.
The programme is expected to empower hundreds of Nigerian youths with employable skills, helping to reduce unemployment and stimulate economic growth through vocational entrepreneurship.
In her welcome note, the Training Programme Manager (TPM), Dr. Funmilayo Doherty, described the ceremony as “a significant milestone in Nigeria’s commitment to youth empowerment through practical and innovative technical education.”
She explained that the IDEAS Project grant was awarded to YABATECH’s Centre for Research Support and Grants Management (CRSGM) in recognition of the College’s track record in promoting excellence in TVET.
According to her, 100 youths from Lagos State, aged between 15 and 35, have been selected for specialized training in computer and GSM repair — combining three months of intensive practical sessions and three months of supervised internship to ensure industry readiness.
Dr. Doherty further disclosed that the trainees would also receive entrepreneurship and life skills training to boost their employability and adaptability in the world of work.
Upon completion, each participant will undertake a competency-based assessment leading to the award of a National Skills Qualification (NSQ) Level 2 Certificate from the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB).
She added that participants would receive transport stipends throughout the training and, upon graduation, be provided with startup toolkits to begin their entrepreneurial journey.
“This initiative,” she emphasized, “demonstrates a shared commitment to human capital development. By equipping our youth with market-relevant skills, we are not only addressing unemployment but also fostering innovation and productivity that will drive Nigeria’s future.”
