Federal Ministry of Education Flags Off IDEAS–TVET Skills Project in Jalingo

The Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the National Association of Skill Providers (NASP), Taraba State Chapter, and Technical Service Providers (TSPs), has officially flagged off the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS–TVET) Project in Jalingo.

 

The event, held at Camp View Event Centre in the Taraba State capital, marked a significant step towards strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) across the state.

 

In his welcome address, the State Coordinator of NASP, Taraba State Chapter, Mr. Akaayar Msugh, expressed appreciation to the Taraba State Government and the State Project Management Unit (SPMU) for prioritizing the IDEAS project. He described technical skills as the most sustainable currency in the 21st century, noting that the programme would ensure beneficiaries are trained using modern curricula aligned with current industry demands.

 

Speaking on the objectives of the initiative, the Adamawa State Programme Coordinator, Mr. Mukhtar Bawuro, said the project is designed to equip youths between the ages of 18 and 35 with practical and employable technical skills at a time when unemployment remains a major national challenge. He explained that the programme seeks to enhance skills acquisition, boost employability, promote entrepreneurship and guarantee inclusive access to training opportunities for eligible beneficiaries.

 

Also addressing participants, the National Project Coordinator, Mrs. Blessing Ogwu, represented by Mr. Yohana Andrew, reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to youth empowerment through technical and vocational education. She stated that the IDEAS–TVET project is structured to bridge the gap between training institutions and industry needs, thereby preparing young people for both local and global competitiveness.

 

Goodwill messages were delivered by the Principal of the Federal Science and Technical College, Jalingo, the Head of Training at the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), and the State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). They commended the Federal Ministry of Education and its partners for the initiative, describing it as timely and capable of reducing unemployment while promoting self-reliance among youths.

 

The IDEAS–TVET project is expected to provide participants with hands-on training, mentorship and opportunities for certification, positioning them to contribute meaningfully to national development.