The Federal Government has flagged-off a World Bank funded training program for 300 youths in Cross River State, focusing on youth skills development. The Innovation Development and Effectiveness in Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) program is being implemented at the Cross River State Teachers Continuous Training Institute (TCTI) Biase.
The program focuses on high-demand tech skills, specifically the maintenance and repair of cellphones and computer hardware, aiming to bridge the unemployment gap through self-reliance.
Speaking during the official launch on Tuesday, November 24, 2025, Mr. Akintunde Babarinde, a representative of the IDEAS TVET project office, Abuja, described the initiative as a “lifelong opportunity for self-reliance.” According to Babarinde, the trainees will receive starter kits and some form of transport subsidy during the six-month program, including internship attachments with computer and phone outlets to gain real-world experience.
Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Professor Stephen Odey, represented by the Education Secretary for Biase Mr. Victor Ukam Ekpei, said the training fits into the vision of Governor Bassey Otu, prioritizing youth skills development in Cross River State. He praised the TCTI Director-General for being the first to secure the World Bank TVET grant among other strong competitors.
Professor Taoheed Adedoja, Director-General of TCTI, attributed the success of the project to the collective efforts of the government, resource persons and other stakeholders. “The success of this program will open doors to even more grant opportunities to the State,” he remarked, emphasizing the Instituteโs role in driving youth-led innovation since its inception.
Presenting the participants before the IDEAS TVET office representative, Dr. Emmanuel Omini, the Training Project Manager and TCTI’s Acting Director of ICT, reported that participants are already showing great mastery in hardware maintenance fundamentals, since the training commenced full swing on January 12, 2026.
The local community has since embraced the initiative. HRM Obhort Evong Otei, the Traditional Ruler of the Ibogo community, expressed gratitude that many of the trainees were selected from local Biase communities, noting that these youths are the “future of the nation.”
“The hands-on training opportunity is better than giving us money,” said a trainee during an interactive session, echoing the sentiment of many who see the program as a permanent solution to economic instability.
By: Eugene Upah
