In a major boost to the state’s digital
economy, the Cross River State-owned Teachers Continuous Training Institute (TCTI), in Biase has successfully concluded an intensive, six-month World Bank-funded training program aimed at equipping young Cross Riverians of Biase origin with high-demand tech and innovation skills.
The Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS/TVET) capacity-building initiative, which ran from January 12 to July 12, 2026, was intentionally designed to bridge the digital skills gap and position local youths to compete in the evolving technology landscape.
The residential training was delivered in two phases. The first three months focused on theoretical instruction in areas such as laptop and mobile phone repairs, computer and mobile software and hardware maintenance, diagnostics and system repairs.
The last three months were dedicated to intensive practicals and industry-related training. During the period, experienced maintenance and repair experts from the private sector were invited to the Institute to conduct the practical training on mobile accessories, troubleshooting common software and hardware faults, data backup and recovery, documentation of repair processes and adherence to professional standards and ethics.
Speaking to our correspondent at the close of the exercise, Director-General of the Institute, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, commended the Cross River State government and the World Bank Group for the vital collaboration.
“The goal is to graduate young men and women with market-ready competencies that will help them stay independent,” Prof. Adedoja stated.
Adedoja however, expressed concern over the delay in the payment of monthly allowances to some participants by the project office in Abuja, assuring that efforts are being intensified to ensure all outstanding allowances are paid promptly.
The DG, who expressed satisfaction with the overall execution of the programme and the commitment shown by the trainees, also commended the management and staff of the Institute for their oversight, thanked participants for their patience and enthusiasm throughout the six-month exercise.
The TCTI Boss, a former federal cabinet minister of sports and Special Duties, lauded the state Ministry of Education and resource facilitators for their contributions to the success of the programme.
“We have now come to the end of the training. I am particularly encouraged by the dedication of the trainees, the commitment of our facilitators and other stakeholders,” he said.
It would be recalled that TCTI clinched the World Bank IDEAS TVET grant in 2025 after prevailing in a highly competitive national bidding process, on account of its proven capacity to deliver standardized vocational training aligned with global best practices.
