IDEAS project: Abia Govt begins construction of modern vocational centres
By John Okezie
Abia State Government has begun the construction of modern vocational centres across the state under the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project.
Performing the groundbreaking ceremony of the project at Government Technical College (GTC), Osusu, Aba, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Goodluck Ubochi said the idea of the IDEAS project was to upgrade vocational education, improve local skills development, and enhance youth employability.
Ubochi stated that the project signified Abia State’s commitment to quality education, especially in technical and vocational fields.
He said the administration under Governor Alex Otti has consistently shown that education is foundational to social and economic development.
The commissioner informed that the ongoing efforts in renovating schools, improving teacher welfare, introducing innovation and technology into classrooms, are all part of the project.
The IDEAS Project, he explained, will enable young people to acquire technical and vocational skills that match the demands of the modern economy.
“The new workshops will provide hands-on training in areas like leather works, garment production, and other skill sets, ensuring trainees can move seamlessly into employment or start their own enterprises.”
Ijioma Damian, IDEAS Project Coordinator for Abia State, traced the project’s history back to 2021, adding that the project was initiated across three technical colleges—one in each senatorial district.
Dr. Daniel Oghojafor and Dr. Olusiji Adeniyi, consultants to the project, praised Governor Otti’s dedication to inclusive growth, gender sensitivity, and elevating technical education.
They lamented that many indigenous skills had been sidelined in favour of western academic models since colonial times, stressing that IDEAS offers a chance to reclaim those crafts in a modern framework.
