About 100 Nigerian youths have successfully undergone a six-month training in culinary and hospitality skills under the Federal Government’s Innovation, Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) programme.
The initiative, delivered by Masterminds Catering and Culinary Institute Academy, is backed by the Federal Ministry of Education in partnership with the World Bank, with the goal of reducing unemployment and closing critical skills gaps across sectors.
At the graduation ceremony held in Abuja, the Chief Executive Officer of the institute, Khadijat Fashina, explained that the organisation was set up roughly five years ago to tackle the shortage of skilled workers in the hospitality and catering industry.
“I discovered there was a major skills gap in the industry, and that was affecting many entrepreneurs. That is why we decided to focus on bridging that gap,” she said.
Fashina stated that the training spans six months, including three months of intensive classroom instruction followed by three months of internship in real business environments, allowing participants to gain practical exposure.
“At the end of the programme, they are better positioned to either start their own businesses or become more employable,” she added.
She further disclosed that trainees were certified under the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), designed by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), which ensures a competency-based approach to learning.
Also addressing participants, the Special Assistant to the President on Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Ayomide Adeagbo, said the programme highlights the government’s understanding of the shifting global economy where practical skills are becoming increasingly valuable.
“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 programmes like this to empower young people,” he said.
Adeagbo noted that the initiative forms part of wider efforts to equip Nigerians with practical skills across multiple sectors beyond gastronomy, with the aim of tackling unemployment and boosting economic productivity.
He added that sustainability plans have been embedded in the programme, including support systems for beneficiaries after completion.
“We are not just training people and leaving them. There are follow-up plans, including access to funding through initiatives like the Creative Economy Development Fund, which will help beneficiaries start and grow their businesses,” he stated.
Speaking on policy support, he stressed that reforms introduced by the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy — including frameworks around intellectual property — are designed to strengthen the creative sector.
“Policy and funding are the foundation for growth. We have created both to ensure that young Nigerians can thrive in the creative and skills economy,” he added.
In her remarks, Mrs Blessing Ogwu, National Project Coordinator of the IDEAS-TVET initiative at the Federal Ministry of Education, praised the trainees for their commitment throughout the programme.
Ogwu described them as “lucky” beneficiaries of an initiative aimed at curbing unemployment and engaging young people productively.
“We want you to count yourselves fortunate. Not everyone has access to this kind of opportunity. When we were younger, many of us did not have this platform,” she said.
She also commended President Bola Tinubu for backing the initiative, noting that it aligns with the administration’s focus on youth development and skills acquisition.
However, she urged the graduates to go beyond job hunting and leverage their new skills to establish businesses and generate employment for others.
One of the beneficiaries, Patience Anaja, called for the expansion and continuity of the programme, citing its transformative effect on her personal and professional development.
Motivated by her passion for cooking and baking, Anaja said the training gave her the opportunity to turn her interest into a viable skill.
“I’ve always loved being in the kitchen. When I saw this opportunity, I knew it was a chance to do what I truly enjoy,” she noted.
She added that the programme has strengthened her practical knowledge and entrepreneurial capacity, making it a valuable complement to her education.
