The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a ₦120 billion youth skills acquisition programme aimed at training at least 60,000 young Nigerians within a three-month period. The initiative is designed to reduce unemployment and empower vulnerable groups, including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), with practical, income-generating skills.
The announcement was made by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, during the Adolescent and Youth Ministerial Dialogue on Wellbeing, Health, and Development in Abuja on Tuesday. The minister, represented by Prof. Ali Idris, said the programme is open to registered companies capable of training the targeted youth population within the stipulated period.
“If you have a registered company capable of training at least 60,000 people within three months, the ministry will pay that company,” Prof. Ahmad explained. “Likewise, individuals who undergo training will receive a starter pack upon completion.”
Youth Inclusion and Stakeholder Engagement
The programme is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reflects the government’s push for youth inclusion and stakeholder participation in policy-making.
“We are working with the youth to identify the areas they consider most critical. Once stakeholders meet, we will move to implementation,” the minister added.
A National Response to Unemployment
With many companies exiting Nigeria and a limited number of government jobs available, the government says the most viable solution is to equip youths with market-relevant skills that can make them employable both locally and globally.
Broader Youth Empowerment Strategy
The launch is one of several initiatives aimed at addressing Nigeria’s youth employment and digital skills gap:
The Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), in partnership with SBTS Group LLC, is equipping youths with digital skills for global competitiveness.
The Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) Initiative, a collaboration between NITDA and NYSC, targets the training of 30 million Nigerians.
The DeepTech Ready Upskilling Programme aims to train 20,000 young Nigerians in AI, data science, and other advanced technologies.
Youth Advocacy and Ongoing Challenges
Jonathan Abakpa, Programme Officer for Plan International Nigeria, emphasized the importance of youth involvement in national discourse.
“Youth-led advocacy is starting to show results,” Abakpa said, citing increased budgetary allocations for education and health.
However, he warned that early marriage, teenage pregnancy, and the out-of-school population still require urgent attention.
The dialogue brought together stakeholders from education, health, and humanitarian sectors, all committed to creating inclusive and actionable solutions for Nigeria’s youth.
