Gov Yahaya inaugurates IDEAS Project to bridge skills gap in Gombe
Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, has inaugurated the World Bank Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project to make the people of the state self reliant.
Yahaya who was represented by his deputy Dr Manassah Jatau, said this while inaugurating the event in Gombe on Thursday.
He said the project would build the capacity of the people in the state to be self-sufficient and self-reliant.
Yahaya said the project would also help address some of the lingering issues among youths in the state particularly unemployment and lack of innovation.
He stated that the project was in line with his administration’s policies to address youth restiveness and encourage self-reliance.
The governor said that this is, as contained in the 10 Year Development Agenda for Gombe State (2021-2030) tagged “DEVAGOM’’.
“The introduction of IDEAS Project by the Federal Government and indeed World Bank will no doubt immensely contribute to the development of Technical Education.
“It will also enhance the capacity of the Nigerian Skills Development System, to produce relevant skills for both the formal and informal sectors of the economy,”
On her part, Dr Aishatu Maigari, the Gombe Commissioner of Education said the project was part of government’s economic recovery and growth plan by promoting economic competitiveness and skills acquisition which is hinged on availability of well-trained manpower for the education sector.
Maigari said the project would help increase the employability of graduates in the labour market, adding that acquiring skills helps graduates to meet the employment demand of industries.
“The era of white-collar jobs is not sustainable. The society is desperately passionate about what you can offer.
“Your skills dictate your relevance; therefore with IDEAS Project the sky is your starting point.”
The State Project Coordinator for Gombe IDEAS, Mr Hassan Likka, said the project is geared towards enhancing the quality and relevance of skills in the state and country.
According to Likka, IDEAS project is in six states across the federation, namely; Edo, Imo, Abia, Ekiti, Gombe and Kano.
He stated that IDEAS would reduce the rate of unemployment among youths as well as to improve technical college and the informal sector.
