Favour Ishember, Abuja
The Federal Government has intensified oversight of its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme with a comprehensive assessment of selected Innovation Development and Effectiveness in Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project centres in Lagos State, as part of efforts to improve training quality, institutional performance and beneficiaries’ outcomes.
The monitoring exercise was led by the National Project Monitoring Officer for TVET and IDEAS in the Office of the Honourable Minister of Education, Mr. Olatunji Odewunmi, who visited Elegant Twins Institute of Cosmetology in Surulere, Lagos State, and the Federal Technical College (FTC), Yaba, Lagos State. The inspection focused on training delivery, institutional performance, compliance with programme guidelines and the progress recorded by trainees.
The IDEAS Project, funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education, is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s TVET system by improving institutional capacity and equipping learners with practical, industry-driven skills for employment and entrepreneurship. The initiative also supports the Federal Government’s TVET reform agenda under Pillar One of the National Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI).
During the visit, Odewunmi applauded Elegant Twins Institute for maintaining high standards of instruction, practical learning and the enthusiasm displayed by beneficiaries. He said the exercise was intended to ensure participating centres fulfilled their responsibilities while guaranteeing that government investments in vocational education delivered measurable results.
He disclosed that Lagos State has about 128 TVET centres providing vocational training opportunities for Nigerians. According to him, the programme covers registration, accommodation and learning materials, while beneficiaries receive a monthly stipend of ₦30,000. Training Service Providers are also paid ₦50,000 monthly for each trainee to ensure effective programme implementation.
Odewunmi explained that the intervention is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s skilled workforce, developing local technical expertise, reducing reliance on foreign artisans and empowering young Nigerians with practical skills to secure employment or establish sustainable businesses.
At the Federal Technical College, Yaba, Lagos State, IDEAS Project Manager, Abimbola Oyedeji, said the intervention, which began about five years ago, has boosted student enrolment and significantly improved practical skills acquisition at the institution.
She listed the supported vocational programmes as Blocklaying and Concreting, Tiling, Woodwork, Auto Body Building, Computer Craft and Catering Craft. The training also covers block production, tile installation, furniture making, upholstery, carpentry, joinery, panel beating, automobile mechanics, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Robotics Engineering.
Oyedeji thanked the Federal Government for strengthening technical education, enhancing institutional capacity and creating opportunities for students to acquire practical skills relevant to the labour market.
At Elegant Twins Institute of Cosmetology, Centre Manager, Kunle Oladunjoye disclosed that the institution was 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 said experienced instructors, including former students with extensive industry knowledge, are delivering the training, adding that beneficiaries have shown impressive progress and are developing the confidence and practical skills needed to establish successful businesses.
Oladunjoye also commended the Federal Government for meeting its financial commitments to the training centre and ensuring beneficiaries receive their monthly stipends, saying the support has contributed to effective programme delivery.
The Founder of the institute, Mrs. Elizabeth Adebisi Oshisoya, who traced her involvement in cosmetology training to 1950, described the intervention as a major opportunity to expand access to professional vocational education. She recalled decades of training activities in Ibadan, Oyo State; Ijebu, Ogun State; and Calabar, Cross River State, while thanking the Federal Government for promoting vocational empowerment and self-reliance.
Beneficiaries also testified to the programme’s impact. Abdulhakeem Shamsudeen said he had gained additional skills in nail technology and makeup to complement his existing knowledge of the beauty industry. He confirmed that the training was free and that beneficiaries receive a monthly ₦30,000 stipend.
Omotosho Okwemi praised the government for providing free vocational training and financial support, while Boma Messe-Britz said the programme equipped her with practical skills in makeup, hairdressing, nail technology and spa services. They commended their instructors and appealed for the initiative to be sustained.
At FTC Yaba, Lagos State, Leo Uzoma applauded the Federal Government for providing free training and equipment, noting that access to modern facilities had enhanced his practical learning. Oni Oluwada said the programme improved his understanding of electrical installation, including wiring and socket installation, while Adebayo Mowufin Oluwada said the training had strengthened her knowledge of electrical installation as preparation for further studies and a career in electrical engineering.
The Federal Ministry of Education said the monitoring exercise reflects the government’s commitment to institutional accountability, quality assurance and evidence-based programme implementation. Through continuous engagement with training providers, instructors and beneficiaries, the ministry said it will continue identifying gaps, improving implementation and ensuring participating institutions maintain approved standards.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining monitoring and evaluation across TVET interventions to guarantee effective service delivery, accountability and measurable impact while building an inclusive, responsive and skills-driven education system capable of equipping Nigerians with competencies for employment, entrepreneurship and national economic development.
For a better society
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