The Federal Government has intensified monitoring of its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes to ensure accountability, quality training and effective use of public funds, with 75 beneficiaries acquiring beauty and cosmetology skills in Lagos State under the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project.

The National Project Monitoring Officer for TVET and IDEAS in the Office of the Minister of Education, Mr Olatunji Odewunmi, disclosed this during a monitoring visit to Elegant Twins Institute of Cosmetology, Surulere, and Federal Technical College, Yaba.

The exercise assessed training delivery, institutional performance, compliance with programme requirements and progress made by beneficiaries.

The IDEAS Project, supported by the World Bank and implemented through the Federal Ministry of Education, is designed to strengthen technical and vocational education, improve institutional capacity and equip Nigerians with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship.

Speaking during the visit, Odewunmi commended Elegant Twins Institute for the quality of instruction and practical training provided to beneficiaries.

He said the monitoring exercise was aimed at ensuring that participating centres met programme requirements and that government investments in vocational education translated into measurable outcomes.

He disclosed that Lagos State had approximately 128 TVET centres providing opportunities for Nigerians to acquire vocational skills.

According to him, the intervention covers essential training requirements, including registration, accommodation and learning materials, while beneficiaries receive a monthly stipend of N30,000.

He added that training service providers receive N50,000 monthly per trainee to facilitate effective programme delivery.

Odewunmi said the initiative was also designed to strengthen Nigeria’s skilled workforce, reduce dependence on foreign artisans and equip young people with the competencies to secure employment or establish businesses.

At Federal Technical College, Yaba, the IDEAS Project Manager, Abimbola Oyedeji, said the intervention, which commenced about five years ago, had contributed to increased student enrolment and improved practical training.

She listed the supported vocational areas as blocklaying and concreting, tiling, woodwork, auto body building, computer craft and catering craft.

Oyedeji said the programme had strengthened the institution’s capacity to provide practical training and equip students with skills relevant to the labour market.

At Elegant Twins Institute, the Centre Manager, Kunle Oladunjoye, said the institution was selected as a training service provider for 75 beneficiaries in beauty and cosmetology.

He said the selection process involved interviews and verification of applicants’ information, adding that qualified instructors, including former students with industry experience, were handling the training.

Oladunjoye said the beneficiaries had made encouraging progress and were acquiring the practical skills and confidence required to establish their own businesses.

He commended the Federal Government for meeting its financial obligations to the centre and providing monthly stipends to beneficiaries.

The institute’s founder, Mrs Elizabeth Oshisoya, who traced her involvement in cosmetology training to 1950, described the intervention as an opportunity to expand access to professional vocational skills.

Some beneficiaries also expressed satisfaction with the programme.

Abdulhakeem Shamsudeen said he had acquired additional skills in nail technology and makeup, while Omotosho Okwemi commended the government for providing free training and financial support.

Another beneficiary, Boma Messe-Britz, said she had gained practical knowledge in makeup, hairdressing, nail technology and spa services.

At Federal Technical College, Yaba, beneficiaries also acknowledged the impact of the intervention.

Leo Uzoma said the provision of free training and equipment had improved his practical learning, while Oni Oluwada said the programme had enhanced his knowledge of electrical installation, including basic electrical connections and socket installation.

Adebayo Mowufin Oluwada said the training was helping her build the skills needed for further studies and a career in electrical engineering.

The Federal Ministry of Education said the monitoring exercise was part of efforts to strengthen quality assurance, institutional accountability and programme implementation across its TVET interventions.