WorldStage— The Federal Government of Nigeria has intensified efforts to strengthen the implementation and monitoring of its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) interventions, with an assessment visit to selected training centres participating in the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project in Lagos State.
The monitoring exercise, conducted by the National Project Monitoring Officer for TVET and IDEAS in the Office of the Minister of Education, Mr. Olatunji Odewunmi, covered Elegant Twins Institute of Cosmetology, Surulere, and Federal Technical College (FTC), Yaba.
It assessed training delivery, institutional performance, compliance with programme requirements and the progress made by beneficiaries.
The IDEAS Project, a Federal Government initiative supported by the World Bank and implemented through the Federal Ministry of Education, is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s TVET system, improve institutional capacity and equip learners with practical, industry-relevant competencies for employment and entrepreneurship.
It complements the government’s broader TVET reform agenda under Pillar One of the National Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI).
During the visit, Odewunmi commended Elegant Twins Institute for the quality of instruction, practical training and enthusiasm demonstrated by beneficiaries.
He explained that the monitoring exercise was aimed at ensuring that participating centres fulfilled their obligations and that government investments in vocational education produced measurable outcomes.
He disclosed that Lagos State has approximately 128 TVET centres providing opportunities for Nigerians to acquire vocational skills. Support under the programme covers essential training requirements, including registration, accommodation and learning materials, while beneficiaries receive a monthly stipend of ₦30,000.
Training service providers also receive ₦50,000 per trainee monthly to facilitate effective delivery.
He added that the intervention seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s skilled workforce, develop local technical capacity, reduce dependence on foreign artisans and equip young people with competencies to secure employment or establish sustainable businesses.
At Federal Technical College, Yaba, the IDEAS Project Manager, Abimbola Oyedeji, disclosed that the intervention, which commenced about five years ago, had contributed to increased student enrolment and improved practical skills training at the institution.
She identified the supported vocational areas as Blocklaying and Concreting, Tiling, Woodwork, Auto Body Building and Computer Craft, covering practical competencies in block production, tile installation, furniture making, upholstery, carpentry, joinery, panel beating, automobile mechanics, Information and Communication Technology and Robotics Engineering. Catering Craft is also covered under the programme.
Oyedeji expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support in strengthening technical education, improving institutional capacity and providing students with opportunities to acquire competencies relevant to the world of work.
At Elegant Twins Institute of Cosmetology, the Centre Manager, Kunle Oladunjoye, disclosed that the institute had been selected as a Training Service Provider to train 75 beneficiaries in beauty and cosmetology.
He described the selection process as transparent and merit-based, involving interviews and verification of applicants’ information.
He noted that qualified professional instructors, including former students with substantial industry experience, were delivering the training. According to him, beneficiaries had demonstrated encouraging progress and were already acquiring the confidence and practical abilities required to establish their own businesses.
Oladunjoye commended the Federal Government for meeting its financial obligations to the training centre and providing monthly stipends for beneficiaries, noting that the support had facilitated effective training delivery.
The Founder of the institute, Mrs. Elizabeth Adebisi Oshisoya, who traced her involvement in cosmetology training to 1950, described the intervention as an important opportunity to expand access to professional vocational skills.
She recalled her longstanding training activities in Ibadan, Ijebu and Calabar and expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for supporting vocational empowerment and self-reliance.
The impact of the programme was also reflected in beneficiaries’ experiences. Abdulhakeem Shamsudeen said he had acquired additional skills in nail technology and makeup, building on his previous knowledge of the beauty industry.
He confirmed that the training was free and that he received the monthly ₦30,000 stipend.
Similarly, Omotosho Okwemi commended the government for providing free vocational training and financial support, while Boma Messe-Britz highlighted the practical knowledge she had acquired in makeup, hairdressing, nail technology and spa services.
The beneficiaries praised their instructors and called for the continuation of the initiative.
At FTC Yaba, Leo Uzoma commended the Federal Government for providing free training and equipment, noting that access to appropriate facilities had enhanced his practical learning.
Oni Oluwada said the programme had improved his knowledge of electrical installation, including basic electrical connections and socket installation.
Another beneficiary, Adebayo Mowufin Oluwada, explained that the training was helping her strengthen her knowledge of electrical installation in preparation for further studies and a career in electrical engineering.
The monitoring exercise reinforces the Federal Government’s commitment to institutional accountability, quality assurance and evidence-based programme management.
Through direct engagement with training providers, instructors and beneficiaries, the Federal Ministry of Education continues to assess implementation, identify areas requiring improvement and ensure that participating centres meet established standards.
The Federal Government will sustain efforts to strengthen monitoring and evaluation across its TVET interventions to ensure effective delivery, accountability and measurable impact.
These efforts are aimed at building an inclusive, responsive and skills-driven education system that equips Nigerians with relevant competencies for employment, entrepreneurship and meaningful participation in national economic development.
