100 Nigerian Youths Graduate from FG-Supported Culinary and Hospitality Training Program
In a significant boost to vocational education and youth empowerment, at least 100 Nigerian youths have successfully graduated from a comprehensive six-month culinary and hospitality training program. This initiative is implemented under the Federal Government-supported Innovation, Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) project, which aims to address unemployment and bridge critical skills gaps in key economic sectors.
Program Implementation and Objectives
The training was conducted by the Masterminds Catering and Culinary Institute Academy, with support from the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with the World Bank. Speaking at the closing ceremony in Abuja, the institute's Chief Executive Officer, Khadijat Fashina, highlighted that the organization was founded approximately five years ago to tackle the acute shortage of skilled professionals in the hospitality and catering industry.
Fashina emphasized that the program is meticulously designed to equip participants with hands-on experience in culinary arts, food safety protocols, kitchen management, and hospitality services. This comprehensive training positions graduates to compete effectively in both local and international markets, fostering a new generation of skilled professionals.
Curriculum and Certification Framework
The six-month program is structured into two distinct phases: three months of intensive theoretical and practical training, followed by another three months of internship in the open market. This dual approach ensures that participants gain real-world experience and apply their skills in dynamic environments.
Participants were trained using the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), developed by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). This framework guarantees competency-based learning and certification, aligning the training with national standards and enhancing the employability of graduates.
Government and Stakeholder Support
Ayomide Adeagbo, the Special Assistant to the President on Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, underscored the government's recognition of the evolving global economy, where skills and talent are increasingly critical. He stated, "The world is moving beyond traditional nine-to-five jobs. Skills and talent now matter a lot, and that is why the government is investing in programs like this to empower young people."
Adeagbo explained that the training is part of broader efforts to equip Nigerians across various sectors with practical skills that can reduce unemployment and drive sustainable economic growth. He added that the government has implemented measures to sustain the program, including post-training support mechanisms such as access to funding through initiatives like the Creative Economy Development Fund.
Entrepreneurial Focus and Future Prospects
Fashina further highlighted that the program is designed not only to impart technical skills but also to instill discipline, creativity, and entrepreneurial capacity among the trainees. She urged the graduates to leverage the knowledge acquired to create employment for themselves and others, emphasizing the institute's commitment to nurturing talent and contributing to the growth of Nigeria's hospitality industry.
Blessing Ogwu, the National Project Coordinator of the IDEAS-TVET initiative at the Federal Ministry of Education, commended the participants for their dedication throughout the training. Ogwu described them as "lucky" to benefit from the initiative, which is designed to reduce unemployment and take young people off the streets. However, she advised participants not to rely solely on job-seeking after graduation but to utilize their skills to establish businesses and create employment opportunities for others.
Beneficiary Testimonials and Call for Expansion
A beneficiary of the initiative, Patience Anaja, called for the expansion and continuity of the program, citing its significant impact on her life and career prospects. She described the training as a valuable addition to her education, equipping her with hands-on experience and entrepreneurial skills that have transformed her professional trajectory.
This graduation ceremony marks a pivotal step in the government's ongoing efforts to foster skills development and economic empowerment among Nigerian youths, with a focus on sustainable partnerships between government agencies, development organizations, and private sector stakeholders.
