FG Monitors Lagos TVET Centres as IDEAS Project Trains 75 in Cosmetology

The Federal Government has stepped up efforts to monitor vocational training centres in Lagos under its Innovation Development and Effectiveness in Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project.

The exercise assessed training delivery, institutional performance and compliance with programme requirements. It also examined how beneficiaries were acquiring practical skills.

The National Project Monitoring Officer for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and IDEAS, Olatunji Odewunmi, led the team. He visited Elegant Twins Institute of Cosmetology in Surulere and Federal Technical College (FTC), Yaba.

The IDEAS Project, supported by the World Bank, seeks to improve Nigeria’s vocational education system. The Federal Ministry of Education implements the programme to equip learners with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship.

It also supports the government’s wider TVET reforms under the National Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI).

At Elegant Twins Institute, Odewunmi praised the quality of instruction and practical sessions. He also commended the enthusiasm of the trainees.

He said the monitoring exercise would ensure that participating centres met their obligations. It would also help the government measure the impact of its investment in vocational education.

Odewunmi disclosed that Lagos had about 128 TVET centres offering vocational training. The programme supports beneficiaries with registration, accommodation and learning materials.

Each trainee also receives a monthly stipend of N30,000. Meanwhile, the government pays training providers N50,000 monthly for each beneficiary.

He said the initiative would help expand Nigeria’s skilled workforce and strengthen local technical capacity. It also seeks to reduce dependence on foreign artisans and prepare young people for jobs and self-employment.

At Federal Technical College, Yaba, the IDEAS Project Manager, Abimbola Oyedeji, said the intervention had improved enrolment and practical training.

She said the programme began about five years ago. It currently supports training in blocklaying and concreting, tiling, woodwork, auto body building and computer craft.

The courses cover block production, tile installation, furniture making, upholstery, carpentry and joinery. They also include panel beating, automobile mechanics, information and communication technology, robotics engineering and catering craft.

Oyedeji thanked the Federal Government for strengthening the institution’s capacity. She said the programme had expanded opportunities for students to acquire skills relevant to the workplace.

At Elegant Twins Institute, Centre Manager Kunle Oladunjoye said the institute had secured approval to train 75 beneficiaries in beauty and cosmetology.

He described the selection process as transparent and merit-based. Applicants underwent interviews and verification before the institute admitted them.

Oladunjoye said qualified instructors, including former students with industry experience, handled the training. He added that the beneficiaries were making progress and gaining the confidence to establish their own businesses.

He also praised the government for meeting its financial obligations to the centre. The monthly stipends, he said, had further supported effective training.

The institute’s founder, Elizabeth Adebisi Oshisoya, described the programme as an opportunity to widen access to professional vocational skills.

She said her involvement in cosmetology training dated back to 1950. She recalled her training activities in Ibadan, Ijebu and Calabar and commended the government for supporting vocational empowerment.

Some beneficiaries also spoke about the skills they had acquired.

Abdulhakeem Shamsudeen said the programme had improved his knowledge of nail technology and makeup. He confirmed that the training was free and that he received the N30,000 monthly stipend.

Omotosho Okwemi also praised the government for providing free training and financial support. Boma Messe-Britz said she had gained practical knowledge in makeup, hairdressing, nail technology and spa services.

At FTC Yaba, Leo Uzoma commended the government for providing free training and equipment. He said access to the facilities had improved his practical learning.

Oni Oluwada said the programme had strengthened his knowledge of electrical installation. He had learnt basic electrical connections and socket installation.

Another beneficiary, Adebayo Mowufin Oluwada, said the training was preparing her for further studies and a career in electrical engineering.

The Federal Ministry of Education said the monitoring exercise formed part of efforts to improve accountability and quality assurance across TVET programmes.

The ministry will continue to assess training centres and engage providers and beneficiaries. The exercise aims to identify gaps and ensure that participating institutions meet required standards.

The government said the broader objective was to build a skills-driven education system. It aims to prepare more Nigerians for employment, entrepreneurship and participation in the economy.