By Zainab Oyekan
The Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with African Film Institute, has commenced six months of training for 300 youths on creative media and technical skills in Jos on Friday
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the training is under the Innovation, Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project, and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative of the National Film Institute (NFI).
Speaking at the opening session, Mr Andrew Yohanna, a procurement consultant with the IDEAS Project, said the initiative was introduced to bridge the widening skills gap among Nigerian youths.
Yohanna said that the country’s education system had for too long focused on academic certificates rather than hands-on skills that could help graduates thrive independently in the job market.
He explained that the project was designed to equip participants with both technical and life skills, ensuring they could create opportunities for themselves without white collar jobs.
Yohanna said that the IDEAS Project was currently being implemented in some states with the aim of empowering young Nigerians through skills development.
“Each participant will undergo three months of classroom training and another three months of internship, followed by an assessment by the National Board for Technical Education,” he said.
Yohanna disclosed that at the end of the programme, trainees would receive the National Skills Qualification (NSQ) certificate.
Also speaking, Dr John Iliya, Director of TVET in the Plateau State Ministry of Education, commended the Federal Government for the initiative and urged the trainees to take full advantage of the opportunity.
Iliya advised them to be dedicated and committed throughout the training, emphasising that the skills acquired would not only benefit them personally but also contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Furthermore, the Programme Director of the African Film Institute, Dr Terry A’wase, described the training as a platform to make Nigerian youths globally competitive in the creative industry.
A’wase said the programme, themed: “African Film Institute IDEAS and TVET Skill Training Initiative, focuses on practical, hands-on learning”.
“We want Nigerians to be so skillful that China, India, and the United States will hear from us,” he said.
According to him, the initiative will also enhance innovation, creativity, and employability among participants.
Awase explained that the training modules included cinematography, lighting, video photography, editing, drone filmmaking, documentary production, and investigative journalism.
He said participants would also be exposed to artificial intelligence applications in media content creation, as well as creative film marketing and distribution
Iliya said the training would produce a new generation of skilled young Nigerians capable of contributing to the Nigeria’s cultural and economic development.
Some participants who spoke with NAN, expressed enthusiasm about the training and thanked the organisers .
Miss Seyi Martins, a student, said she would focus on content creation and improve on it to make a living.
Mr Mafeng Emmanuel , a writer, said he would use the training to broaden his horizon and improve on his writing skills. NAN
