By Fresh News
The Life-Long Development Academy (LDA) has commenced the 2026 Federal Ministry of Education (FME)/World Bank Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS-TVET) Cohort 3 training in Fashion Design and Garment Making, with a charge to beneficiaries to embrace discipline, commitment and excellence throughout the six-month programme.
The induction and orientation ceremony, held at the Academy yesterday, marked the formal commencement of the training programme designed to equip young Nigerians with industry-relevant vocational skills, improve employability and promote entrepreneurship.
Speaking at the event, Executive Director of LDA, Professor Comfort Ekpo, described the programme as a significant opportunity for participants to acquire practical skills capable of transforming their lives and creating sustainable economic opportunities.
She said the Academy was privileged to serve as one of the training service providers under the Federal Government and World Bank-supported initiative aimed at strengthening Nigeria's technical and vocational education sector.
According to her, LDA's vision is to become one of the leading institutions for lifelong learning and capacity development, providing training opportunities from childhood through adulthood.
She disclosed that the institution has, over the years, trained individuals in various vocational fields including Fashion Design and Garment Making, Food and Nutrition, Hair Dressing, Computer Studies, Professional Teacher Development and Basic Artisan Programmes.
Prof. Ekpo noted that beyond technical skills training, the Academy has integrated four compulsory courses into its curriculum to prepare trainees for the demands of the global marketplace.
The courses include Communication Skills, Computer Applications, Accounting and Finance for Micro Enterprises, and Industry Hospitality.
She explained that the additional modules were designed to strengthen the entrepreneurial, managerial and communication capacities of trainees, enabling them to compete effectively in an increasingly globalized economy.
"For the next six months, we have a contract to train you in Fashion Design and Garment Making. It is going to be an intensive training programme because by November and December, outstanding trainees will be registered for the NABTEB Modular Examination, which is an internationally recognised skills certification examination," she stated.
The Executive Director assured participants that the Academy possesses adequate training facilities, experienced instructors, learning materials and a conducive environment necessary for effective learning.
She, however, stressed the importance of discipline, attendance and adherence to safety regulations, warning that trainees must attain at least 75 percent attendance before being recommended for programme benefits.
Providing an overview of the IDEAS-TVET initiative, Programme Officer, Mrs Itoro Umoren, said the project was established by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Education with financial support from the World Bank to address skills gaps and unemployment among Nigerian youths.
She explained that the programme seeks to improve the quality, relevance and effectiveness of technical and vocational education while ensuring that beneficiaries acquire competencies aligned with industry demands.
According to her, the project is designed to reduce unemployment, promote self-employment and contribute to national economic development through quality skills acquisition.
"The IDEAS Project aims to strengthen Nigeria's technical and vocational education system and equip young people with practical competencies that prepare them for productive employment and entrepreneurship," she said.
The programme targets Nigerian youths between the ages of 15 and 35, particularly unemployed, underemployed and under-skilled individuals.
Umoren noted that special attention is also given to economically disadvantaged persons, women, girls, persons living with disabilities and other vulnerable groups to ensure inclusive participation and equitable access to economic opportunities.
She described the beneficiaries' selection as an investment in human capital development aimed at improving livelihoods and fostering national productivity.
To ensure accountability and programme effectiveness, the organizers introduced a comprehensive monitoring framework that combines manual attendance records with biometric verification systems.
Under the guidelines, trainees will be required to sign attendance registers daily and complete biometric verification processes to confirm physical participation in training activities.
The programme also includes continuous performance assessments through practical exercises, assignments, projects, skills demonstrations, tests and class participation.
According to Umoren, beneficiaries seeking to qualify for incentives and additional opportunities under the programme must maintain at least 65 percent satisfactory attendance and achieve a minimum performance rating of 70 percent.
The monitoring system is expected to enhance transparency and discourage attendance fraud or impersonation.
Organizers disclosed that successful trainees would have opportunities to participate in competency assessments leading to nationally recognised certifications, including the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) Modular Examination.
Participants may also benefit from mentorship programmes, internship placements, employment support initiatives and self-employment opportunities depending on their performance and commitment.
The programme will further track beneficiaries after graduation to evaluate outcomes such as employment status, business establishment, certification attainment and career progression.
According to officials, the post-training monitoring framework is intended to measure the long-term impact of the programme and demonstrate how vocational education contributes to improved livelihoods and economic em
Stakeholders at the event described the IDEAS-TVET initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at building a skilled, productive and globally competitive workforce capable of driving Nigeria's economic transformation.
They urged beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity by remaining focused, disciplined and committed throughout the training period.
"The IDEAS-TVET Programme is not just a training initiative but an investment in your future. Your success will depend on your commitment, attendance, performance and adherence to programme standards," Umoren told participants.
With the six-month training now underway, the programme is expected to equip participants with practical fashion design and garment-making skills while creating pathways to certification, employment and entrepreneurship, thereby contributing to youth empowerment and national development.
