Reaffirming its commitment to youth empowerment through technical and vocational education, the Federal Government, in collaboration with the World Bank and the Fabsi Institute of Entrepreneurship, on Monday launched a digital skills training programme for 200 Nigerian youths in Suleja, Niger State.
The initiative, implemented under the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET 2) projects, aims to equip participants with practical knowledge in computer hardware and mobile phone repairs while promoting self-reliance, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Dr. Ngozi Onwudiwe, retired Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, described the event as "a launch of dreams and a doorway to opportunity."
"Today, we are not just launching a training programme; we are launching dreams," she said. "We are opening doors of opportunity for young Nigerians to take charge of their future, create solutions, and write their own success stories."
Dr. Onwudiwe explained that the programme represents a strategic investment in Nigeria's youth, providing them with both technical and entrepreneurial skills required to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
"Those who understand how technology works and how to fix it hold the key to tomorrow's economy," she noted. "This programme is about turning our youth into problem-solvers, innovators, and entrepreneurs — the kind of leaders our nation needs in this digital age."
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She praised the Federal Ministry of Education, the World Bank, and the Fabsi Institute for their collaboration, describing the project as a model partnership between government, international agencies, and local institutions.
"Every investment in skills development is an investment in peace, progress, and prosperity," she added. "To our trainees, this is your moment. What you learn here can change your life. Be disciplined, creative, and honest because the world rewards not only what you can do but who you are."
In his remarks, Dr. Ali Onoja, Chief Executive Officer of the African Health Project and Proprietor of the Fabsi Institute of Entrepreneurship, said the six-month training will provide participants aged 15 to 35 with hands-on training, certification, and internship opportunities.
"This project will make a significant impact by improving digital literacy and job readiness," Onoja said. "Successful trainees will be registered with the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN) to boost their employability and entrepreneurial prospects."
He noted that the curriculum aligns with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) and National Occupational Standards (NOS) approved by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), ensuring that training meets global standards and drives high-paying job creation in Nigeria's growing digital sector.
Highlighting the initiative's impact, Onoja revealed that over 1,000 Nigerian youths, including persons with disabilities, have benefitted from previous IDEAS project phases, with over 460 participants earning professional certifications in data analytics, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and graphic design.
Also speaking, Mrs. Blessing Ogwu, National Coordinator of the IDEAS TVET Initiative, represented by Mrs. Uche Mbaogu, emphasized that the training is completely free, being funded through a World Bank-supported Federal Government loan facility.
"The Federal Government obtained a loan from the World Bank to train Nigerians at no cost," she said. "The goal is to ensure that no young person remains idle or unskilled."
She added that the project seeks to reduce unemployment and overreliance on white-collar jobs by providing practical skills that empower young people to become self-sufficient and productive members of society.
"We don't want artisans roaming the streets or youths doing nothing. Let's train them to be self-reliant," Ogwu said. "When you have a white-collar job and also a skill, you have a double advantage — you can create jobs instead of waiting to apply for one."
Concluding the ceremony, Dr. Onwudiwe urged participants to embrace the opportunity with determination and integrity.
"The future is digital. The future is entrepreneurial. But most importantly, the future is yours," she said. "As we flag off this training, I want each of you to say to yourself: I am the future. I am skilled. I am unstoppable."
