The air at Dr. Fish Event Centre, Kwang, along Lamingo Rayfield Road in Jos carried unmistakable energy on the morning of February 19, 2026. Over a thousand young men and women, trainers, government officials, and development partners gathered under one roof for what was far more than an administrative ceremony it was the beginning of a deliberate investment in the future of Plateau State’s youth.
The IDEAS-TVET Initiative, a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Education and the World Bank, officially flagged off its Batch V Skills Training Programme in Plateau State. The programme brings together 13 accredited Training Service Providers (TSPs) to upskill, certify, and place 1,500 trainees across diverse vocational and technical disciplines.
In his welcome address, Sir, The Chairman is Mr. Gabriel Heman,representing the TSPs in Plateau, noted that five weeks of intensive training had already taken place before the official launch. Yet, he emphasized the importance of a formal flag-off in reinforcing credibility, structure, and accountability.Human Capital as the Real Wealth
Dr. Chommi M. Stephen, Deputy Provost of the Federal College of Forestry, Jos, reinforced that human capital not crude oil or mineral resources is the true engine of national development.
“You are being sharpened. You are being equipped. You are being properly prepared to deliver to your generation.”
One of the most anticipated moments came when Dr. Adetunji Samuel Adebanjo, popularly known as Dr. Fish and MD/CEO of Sammadecom Global, addressed the audience. Arriving in Plateau in 2004 as an NYSC member with a degree in Business Communication, he built a thriving enterprise through fish farming expanding into media, engineering, housing, and distribution.
“The same business that people once underestimated some even mocked has opened doors for me.”
He urged trainees to reject a quick-money mindset and instead embrace long-term vision and discipline, reminding them that opportunities of this scale rarely come twice.
Cletus Bako Shurkuk, Honourable Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, represented by Mr. David Ezekiel Gani, reaffirmed the Plateau State Government’s full support for the initiative and pledged to leverage its outcomes for further empowerment schemes.
Mr. David Jang Zoyong, Special Adviser to the Governor on Skill Acquisition, stressed the need for vocational empowerment to evolve beyond equipment distribution toward structured entrepreneurship, cooperatives, and sustainable growth frameworks.
Dr. John Iliya, Director of TVET at the Plateau State Ministry of Education, challenged the narrative that vocational training is a second-choice pathway:
“TVET is not a second option; it is a strategic pathway to economic empowerment.”
Bldr. Adedeji Adeleye Paul
Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Building and representative of the National Project Coordinator Blessing Ogwu, provided a comprehensive overview of the initiative.
The IDEAS-TVET Programme is designed to bridge Nigeria’s skills gap by equipping youth with market-relevant competencies. In Plateau State, 17 centres were accredited, with 13 participating in this joint flag-off ceremony the first unified launch of its kind in the state.
The 1,500 trainees will receive training in fields including construction and masonry, crop production, agro-processing, media production, make-up artistry, ICT, fashion, renewable energy, and more. The programme runs for six months three months of classroom learning followed by three months of practical internship and concludes with the award of a National Skills Qualification (NSQ) Level Two Certificate, issued in collaboration with the National Board for Technical Education.
The heart of the initiative lies with the young people themselves.
Awin Jilsin, training in make-up artistry with Ray Pulse Media, described the programme as transformative:
“Makeup is not just about beauty—it’s about confidence.”
Olabisi Gideon, training under Dr. Fish at Sammadecom, expressed deep gratitude:
“This programme means a lot to us, and we are not taking it for granted.”
Nelson Dogara, studying painting and interior decoration, spoke with quiet determination:
“By the end of this programme, I will be doing very well.”
Tahuli Ofegal Sylvester, from the College of Forestry centre, praised the programme’s impact while raising concerns about transportation costs from rural areas—constructive feedback that reflects active engagement.
A participant from Netaccess Communications, training in videography and photography, summarized the opportunity simply:
“This is a great opportunity for any youth looking to develop practical skills.”
Mrs. Jessica Obadiah closed the ceremony with warmth and faith in the trainees’ potential. She observed that some participants arrive at training centres before staff a powerful sign of commitment.
“The knowledge and skills you are receiving from this training will stand the test of time.”
What unfolded on February 19, 2026, was more than a ceremonial flag-off. It was a declaration that Plateau State is investing deliberately in its youth, that skills are a passport to dignity and economic freedom, and that structured, certified vocational training can reshape futures.
With 1,500 trainees, 13 dedicated providers, and strong backing from government and development partners, the IDEAS-TVET Initiative in Plateau is not simply building skills it is building a generation equipped to lead, innovate, and thrive.
