Federal Government says its free Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme is aimed at reducing youth unemployment and poverty by equipping young Nigerians with practical skills for self-employment and income generation.
The National Project Coordinator of the IDEAS Project, Blessing Ehiogwu, stated this during an assessment visit to the Federal Technical College, Orozo, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Mrs Ehiogwu said 38 technical colleges, comprising 20 federal and 18 state institutions, had been funded and equipped under the programme, which she said would continue under the present administration.
She explained that the six-month certificate programme was open to beginners and school leavers, who were only required to provide their National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN).
The Principal of the college, Dr Stella Uhegbu, said the institution had adopted the Federal Government’s new curriculum, which allocates 70 per cent of training to practical sessions and 30 per cent to theory.
She disclosed that the college had more than 1,000 regular students and over 1,000 trainees enrolled in the short-term programme.
Also speaking, the National Project Monitoring Officer in the Minister’s Office, Olatunji Odewunmi, said the training was completely free, with the government covering tuition, training materials, monthly stipends and other essential needs.
He added that eligible trainees would receive starter packs to help them establish businesses after completing their training, while attendance was monitored through biometric records.
One of the catering trainees, identified only as Osundeyi, said she had acquired skills in making pastries and other snacks and had secured a contract to supply buns and doughnuts to a nearby school.
A female trainee in auto mechanics also commended the programme but called on the government to provide more equipment and expand access, particularly for young people in rural communities.
She encouraged more women to enrol in technical trades traditionally dominated by men, saying the training had boosted her confidence and determination.
RN
