By Zainab Ahmad
Nigeria has one of the largest youth populations in the world, with over 60% of its population under the age of 25. However, this demographic advantage is threatened by rising unemployment, underemployment, and a growing mismatch between the skills possessed by young people and those demanded by the labor market. Many Nigerian youths lack access to quality education, vocational training, and digital skills, leading to a cycle of poverty, social unrest, and economic stagnation.
Skill development is essential to harness the potential of Nigerian youth as drivers of innovation, productivity, and national development. Equipping young people with relevant technical, vocational, entrepreneurial, and digital skills can empower them to create employment opportunities, contribute meaningfully to society, and support Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.
Objectives of the program:
• To provide Nigerian youth with market-relevant vocational and digital skills.
• To foster entrepreneurship and job creation among youth.
• To reduce youth unemployment and social vulnerability.
• To strengthen linkages between training programs and industry needs.
• To promote inclusive skill development, especially for young women and marginalized groups.
Target Group:
• Youth aged 15–40, with a focus on:
• Out-of-school youth
• Graduates with limited employment prospects
• Youth in rural and underserved communities
• Young women and persons with disabilities
Key Activities:
• Conducting a national youth skills needs assessment.
• Establishing or upgrading vocational training centers across Nigeria.
• Delivering certified (NSQ) training in key sectors such as:
• ICT and digital technology
• Renewable energy
• Robotics
• Agribusiness and agro-processing
• Construction and technical trades
• Fashion, design, and creative arts
• Partnering with private sector and industry experts for mentorship and internship programs.
• Providing startup kits and seed funding to successful trainees.
• Promoting awareness and advocacy on the importance of youth skill development.
Expected Outcomes:
• Increased employability of Nigerian youth.
• Establishment of youth-led startups and microenterprises.
• Enhanced economic participation and productivity.
• Reduction in youth-related social unrest and crime.
• Stronger collaboration between education/training institutions and the labor market.
Implementation Strategy:
The initiative will be implemented in collaboration with:
• Federal and State Ministries of Youth, Labor, and Education
• NBTE
• National Directorate of Employment (NDE).
• Private sector partners and industry bodies.
• NGOs, community-based organizations, and international development agencies.
• Training institutions and technology hubs.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
A comprehensive M&E framework will be developed to track progress, measure impact, and inform decision-making. Key performance indicators will include number of youths trained, employment rate post-training, number of businesses started, and stakeholder satisfaction.
Budget and Funding:
The program will require funding for infrastructure, equipment, training materials, personnel, monitoring, and startup support. Funding sources will include government allocations, donor agencies, CSR contributions, and public-private partnerships.
In conclusion,
Investing in youth skill development is not only a response to Nigeria’s unemployment crisis but a strategic move toward sustainable national development. Through this initiative, Nigerian youth will be empowered to build productive lives, transform communities, and drive the nation toward prosperity.
Zainab Ahmad writes from Kaduna