The Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project, a World Bank–supported initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria implemented through the Federal Ministry of Education, continues to expand opportunities for skills development and inclusive economic participation across the country. The project’s objective is to strengthen Nigeria’s skills development system and produce relevant competencies for both the formal and informal sectors.
In line with this mandate, the IDEAS Project recently convened a two-day initiation workshop on Childcare Entrepreneurship and Micro-Franchise Development in Nigeria, held at the GTA Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos between 3rd-5th March 2026. The workshop brought together childcare professionals, policymakers, training experts, and development partners to explore pathways for strengthening the childcare sector as part of the IDEAS-TVET Initiative.
Building the Care Economy Through Skills Development
The workshop opened with remarks and presentations from key stakeholders including the National Project Coordinator of the IDEAS Project, Mrs Blessing Ogwu, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, and the World Bank’s African Gender Innovation Lab. Participants explored the role of early childhood care services in supporting families, improving child development outcomes, and enhancing women’s participation in the workforce.
Discussions highlighted how childcare responsibilities often limit women’s economic opportunities, with evidence showing that access to affordable childcare services can significantly improve women’s productivity and earnings. Experts emphasized that investing in childcare systems not only benefits children and parents but also strengthens households and communities.
Evidence-Driven Solutions for Expanding Childcare Services
Technical sessions facilitated by the World Bank
team examined global evidence on childcare models and addressed common misconceptions surrounding childcare provision in rural and low-resource communities. Participants learned that quality childcare services do not necessarily require expensive facilities; community-based models can be scaled effectively when safety, hygiene, and proper care standards are maintained.
The workshop also explored strategies to support aspiring childcare entrepreneurs through structured training programmes, mentorship, certification processes, and the provision of start-up support.
Strengthening Training Pathways for Childcare Entrepreneurs
Representatives from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) introduced the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) and explained how childcare training will align with national competency-based standards. Under the proposed model, trainees will undergo a six-month programme comprising three months of practical training and three months of industry internship, equipping them with the skills required to establish and manage childcare centres.
Participants also reviewed the implementation pathway for selecting Training Service Providers (TSPs) and the performance-based contracting framework that will guide training delivery under the IDEAS-TVET Initiative.
Fostering Collaboration for Sector Growth
Interactive sessions, debates, and group discussions enabled participants to exchange ideas on strengthening childcare entrepreneurship and expanding access to quality childcare services across Nigeria. By the end of the workshop, stakeholders developed a shared understanding of the opportunities within the childcare economy and the steps required to professionalize and scale the sector.
The engagement marked another important milestone in the IDEAS Project’s commitment to skills development, job creation, and inclusive economic growth, particularly by supporting women and young entrepreneurs to participate in emerging sectors of the economy.
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