A World Bank Officer, Scherezad Latif, on Friday commended the Federal Government for its heavy investment in technical skills development across the country.

Mr Latif spoke during a visit to Wavecrest College of Hospitality, Surulere, Lagos, one of the training centres for the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET).

The IDEAS TVET programme is a Federal Government initiative under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda prioritising human capital development and economic growth.

The project, which is being funded through the Federal Ministry of Education and supported by the World Bank, focuses on strengthening skills acquisition, enhancing employability, and reducing youth unemployment nationwide.

Mr Latif, who is the World Bank Education Practice Manager for West and Central Africa, said that the visit to Wavecrest College was to deepen partnerships and enhance the delivery of technical and vocational education across accredited training service providers nationwide.

He said, “I wish to commend this Federal Government project, because it has been impactful and transformative for youth employment nationwide.

“I am here to review the minister’s IDEAS TVET initiative, supported by the World Bank, as well as to see the impressive results, particularly here at Wavecrest College.

“We’re proud to support the Federal Government efforts and its achievements, even here in Wavecrest College. What we observed impressed us greatly.

“We are impressed, particularly by the students’ motivation, clarity of purpose, and confidence. Wavecrest stands as a model hospitality training institution delivering practical, industry-aligned skills.”

The visit, which flagged off the 2nd cohort of trainees, included the inspection of modern training facilities, engagement with beneficiaries, and improving technical and vocational education outcomes across Nigeria.

In her remarks, the National Project Coordinator for the IDEAS Project, Ministry of Education, Blessing Ogwu, disclosed that it had over 3,000 IDEAS TVET training centres currently running across the country with thousands of trainees.

Mrs Ogwu said that on completion of the six-months programme, the trainees would be provided with a starter-pack.

She added that, “in addition, the honourable minister of education is liaising with the Bank of Industry to get trainees soft loans to set up their businesses.

Mrs Ogwu urged trainees to remain committed to the IDEAS TVET programme, saying that the federal government was investing heavily in technical skills development to empower youth, drive innovation, and boost sustainable economic growth.

Similarly, the Deputy Provost, WaveCrest College, Nwabachili Ifeoma, stated that the programme at their centre was centred on catering and hospitality management involving theory/practical, session, mentorship and internship.

Meanwhile, a beneficiary, Mbanefo Jennifer, thanked the Federal Government for the opportunity, and described the programme as amazing and life-changing.

She said that the trainers were highly dedicated and supportive.

“I sincerely thank the Federal Government for this opportunity. The programme has been transformative and our trainers are patient, inspiring and committed to equipping us with practical skills for success,” she noted.

The units visited at the training centre were the kitchen, lecture rooms, computer/internet room and the library. (NAN)