The Federal Government has equipped 38 federal and state technical colleges to expand access to free vocational training for young Nigerians.

The initiative also provides beneficiaries with monthly stipends and starter packs to support them in establishing businesses after graduation.

National Project Coordinator of the Innovation Development for Effective Acquisition of Skills Project, Mrs Blessing Ogwu, disclosed this during an inspection of the IDEAS Project Centre at the Federal Science and Technical College, Orozo, Abuja.

Ogwu said the project, supported by the World Bank, had equipped 20 federal and 18 state technical colleges to strengthen practical skills acquisition and improve employment opportunities.

She said the investment demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to repositioning technical and vocational education while equipping young people with marketable skills.

The initiative is expected to promote self-reliance, entrepreneurship and job creation among Nigerian youths.