The Federal Government has launched a N120 billion national skills acquisition programme designed to fund qualified companies capable of training at least 60,000 youths within a three-month period.
Under this initiative, youth participants will gain hands-on, employable skills and receive starter packs upon completing their training—aimed at easing their entry into the workforce.
This 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 held in Abuja on Tuesday. Represented by Prof. Ali Idris, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister, Prof. Ahmad emphasized that the programme is a core part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The programme targets vulnerable youths, including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), across all six geopolitical zones. If you own a registered company that can train 60,000 people within three months, the government is prepared to fund it. Similarly, all trainees will receive starter packs after completing the programme,” she stated.
Youth Participation in Policy
Prof. Ahmad stressed the importance of involving young people in shaping the programme, noting that a stakeholder meeting will be held to allow the youth to identify their most pressing needs.
“This initiative is youth-inclusive. We are engaging with young people directly to co-design the programme based on their priorities,” she added.
She also acknowledged Nigeria’s economic challenges, citing the exodus of companies and limited availability of government jobs, and called for a shift toward skill acquisition as a sustainable path to employment—both domestically and abroad.
Youth Advocacy in Action
Jonathan Abakpa, Programme Officer at Plan International Nigeria, praised the increasing involvement of young Nigerians in policy discussions. He pointed to last year’s creation of the Adolescent and Young People’s Roadmap as a successful example of youth-led advocacy.
“This year’s ministerial dialogue provides another platform for youth to engage with decision-makers and push for implementation of their demands,” Abakpa said.
He also emphasized the need for continued action on key issues such as early marriage, teenage pregnancy, and the growing number of out-of-school children.
Broader Government Initiatives
This new programme adds to a growing list of federal initiatives aimed at reducing unemployment and bridging the digital divide:
- The Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) has partnered with U.S.-based SBTS Group LLC to train Nigerian youths in digital skills for global relevance.
- The Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) Initiative, a collaboration between NITDA and NYSC, aims to train 30 million Nigerians in digital competencies.
- The DeepTech Ready Upskilling Programme is equipping 20,000 youths with advanced skills in data science and artificial intelligence.
These collective efforts reflect the government’s broader strategy to empower young Nigerians and prepare them for opportunities in today’s rapidly evolving job market.
