More than 250 young Nigerians have graduated from the Ishk Tolaram Foundation’s vocational training programme under its flagship initiative, the Ishk Skills Hub.
The graduation marked the third edition of the foundation’s Graduation and Skilling Conference with the theme: “Fragmentation to Synergy: Strengthening Collaboration in TVET and Employment Creation.”
The event brought together stakeholders from the government, private sector, training institutions, and development partners to discuss ways to improve Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) outcomes in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Programme Director of the Foundation, Mr Oje Ivagba, said the initiative was aimed at equipping underserved youths with soft and technical skills.
Ivagba said the scheme was also to provide paid internships, and support them after graduation to access employment or start their own businesses.
“We are committed to building a more prosperous society by empowering youths with vocational and entrepreneurship skills.
“Since we started, over 1,400 youths have benefited, and we are on track to reach 2,000 by the end of 2025,” he said.
Ivagba said the foundation’s skilling centre at the Lagos Free Zone was a major investment in infrastructure aimed at fostering innovation and growth.
He also highlighted the Alumni Business Support Grant which has awarded over five million naira in tools and equipment to help graduates start or expand their businesses.
Mr Abiola Oyeneye, Programme Manager of the Foundation, explained that the six-month training covers many vocational trades.
“The scheme covers trades such as fashion, plumbing, tiling, masonry, solar installation, HVAC, and building construction.
“This is followed by six months of job placement or business support.
“We are not only celebrating the success of our trainees but also using this conference to push for stronger partnerships across the TVET sector,” she said.
The Head of Programme at GIZ’s Centres for Migration and Development, Mrs Sandra Vermouten-Alonge, stressed the importance of collaboration in improving certification standards, skills availability, and employment access.
She encouraged graduates to make use of available resources and mentorship opportunities.
Also speaking, the Ondo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Segun Omoyofunmi, commended the foundation, urging it to extend the programme to his state.
“Our youths are ready to make the most of such opportunities,” he said.
The outstanding graduates were recognised with the ISH Award for Excellence, and many shared inspiring stories of transformation through the programme.
The Ishk Tolaram Foundation is a philanthropic organisation that operates in Nigeria, Singapore, and Indonesia.
The NGO supports initiatives in health, education, and skills development for underserved communities.