Federal University of Education, Zaria Flags Off IDEAS-TVET Initiative to Empower Youth

The Directorate of Skills Development and Linkages of the Federal University of Education, Zaria (FUEZ), in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria, and the Ajoke Ayisat Afolabi Foundation, has flagged off the Innovative Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) programme.

The IDEAS-TVET initiative, a component of the Nigerian Youth Employment Skills Acquisition Fund (NYESAF), is designed to equip youths with practical, industry-relevant skills for employment and entrepreneurship. Participants receive stipends during the training period as well as starter packs upon successful completion.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Yahaya Isa Bunkure, expressed appreciation to the Ministry for selecting the University, through its Directorate of Skills Development and Linkages, as a Training Service Provider for the impactful initiative. He also thanked the Ministry for choosing the institution as host for the official flag-off ceremony, which drew participants from various training centres across the state.

The Vice-Chancellor congratulated the trainees for emerging successful among numerous applicants and urged them to remain focused and committed throughout the six-month training period. He further disclosed that the University has made skills acquisition mandatory for all final-year students, stressing that graduating students must enroll in entrepreneurship or vocational skills programmes before graduation in response to the scarcity of white-collar jobs.

Under the programme, the University’s Training Centre will train about 100 participants in Fashion Design and Garment Making for six months. The Ajoke Ayisat Afolabi Foundation will train participants in Fashion Design and Leather Works, while the National Institute of Transport Technology (NITT) will provide training in Autobody Work (Panel Beating).

Representing the Director-General of NITT, Dr. Bayero Farah, Dr. Joshua A. Odeleye noted that the IDEAS-TVET initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at empowering youths with hands-on practical skills. He explained that the six-month programme is structured into three months of intensive practical training and three months of internship to facilitate smooth transition into the labour market. He also reaffirmed NITT’s commitment to sustained collaboration with the University, particularly in strengthening Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) development.

While officially declaring the programme open, Mr. Marcus Idoko, representing the Ministry, commended the strong collaboration among stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Education, the Directorate of Skills Development and Linkages, NITT Zaria, and the Ajoke Foundation. He disclosed that over 40,000 trainees have benefited from the IDEAS-TVET programme nationwide.

Mr. Idoko further appreciated the support of the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Ma’aruf Tunji Alausa, and other stakeholders for ensuring the success of the initiative.

In her remarks, Mrs. Patience Iguru of the Federal Ministry of Education emphasised that trainees remain the focal point of the programme. She advised participants to maintain at least 65–70 percent attendance to qualify for starter packs and certificates accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

In her closing remarks, Hajiya Adama Haruna Abdulmalik of the Ajoke Foundation expressed optimism that the objectives of the programme would be fully achieved. She thanked all stakeholders for their support and wished participants safe journeys back to their respective destinations.

The ceremony concluded with group photographs featuring principal officers of the University, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Suleiman Balarabe; Acting Registrar, Alhaji Shehu Iya Sa’idu; Acting Bursar, Alhaji Muhammad Kabiru Aliyu; Director of Skills Development and Linkages, Dr. (Mrs.) Amina Sani; Dean, Vocational and Technical Education, Prof. Kabir Danja; Director of Audit, Alhaji Garba Dahiru; alongside officials from NITT Zaria, the Ajoke Foundation, and other stakeholders."