The Federal Ministry of Education (FME), in partnership with the World Bank through the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Project, has officially began induction and orientation exercise for Cohort 2 skills acquisition programme at Life-Long Development Academy.
The official launch, held on June 8, 2026, marked the commencement of training for successful beneficiaries in Fashion Design and Garment Making under the hospitality sector.
Life-Long Development Academy was selected as a Training Service Provider (TSP) under the IDEAS-TVET Cohort 2 Project and has successfully screened, admitted, and enrolled trainees into the programme.
The initiative is aimed at equipping young Nigerians with practical, industry-relevant skills that will enhance their employability and support self-employment opportunities. It is also designed to contribute to national development by reducing unemployment and strengthening technical and vocational education across the country.
Under the programme, trainees will undergo a structured six-month competency-based training in Fashion Design and Garment Making. The training combines classroom instruction, practical sessions, safety orientation, continuous assessment, and hands-on experience to ensure participants are adequately prepared for the labour market.
Speaking at the flag-off, programme coordinators emphasized the importance of technical and vocational education in addressing youth unemployment and fostering economic growth.
They noted that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government's commitment to empowering young people with skills needed for sustainable livelihoods.
For many of the beneficiaries, particularly those drawn from vulnerable communities, the programme represents a life-changing opportunity to acquire valuable vocational skills, improve their economic prospects, and build a better future for themselves and their families.
The programme brings together successful trainees, relevant stakeholders, as well as the management and staff of Life-Long Development Academy, who will oversee the implementation of the training.
One of the organisers, Dr Maria Etokebe ldisclosed that all admitted trainees emerged through a transparent screening process conducted in line with the eligibility requirements and guidelines of the IDEAS-TVET Project. Only applicants who met the stipulated conditions were selected for participation.
Despite the successful commencement of the programme, the Director of LDA, Prof. Comfort Ekpo acknowledged that the major challenge encountered during the selection process was the overwhelming number of applications received compared to the limited training slots available.
However, she stressed that the exercise was conducted fairly and strictly according to programme guidelines to ensure that only qualified candidates were admitted.
The launch of the IDEAS-TVET Cohort 2 Programme at Life-Long Development Academy is expected to strengthen workforce development efforts and provide participants with the skills necessary to secure employment, establish businesses, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria's socio-economic development.
