The federal government Tuesday unveiled plans to empower at least seven million Nigerian youth through dual vocational training and digital skill development programmes.
The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, made this known during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the IHK Giessen-Friedberg Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Germany, in his office in Abuja.
Comrade Olawande stated that the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to equipping young Nigerians with practical, industry-relevant skills that foster self-reliance, innovation, and employability.
He noted that the federal government, through the Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA), is strengthening partnerships with German and Nigerian institutions to expand access to vocational and digital training opportunities, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for youth empowerment.
“Our goal is not just to produce job seekers but to nurture innovators and entrepreneurs who will contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economy,” the minister said.
He further stated that the ministry’s readiness to deepen collaboration with institutions such as the Chambers Academy, the Nigerian Institute for Vocational Training and Corporate Development, and the German Chambers of Commerce, as well as relevant ministries and agencies, including those of Labour and Science, to broaden vocational and digital learning opportunities nationwide.
Comrade Olawande also stated that the ministry will soon launch a digital learning platform under the Nigerian Youth Academy, modeled after global platforms such as Coursera, to make skill acquisition easily accessible to young Nigerians across the country.
He described the ministry’s youth development strategy as a tripartite framework anchored on Support, Empowerment, and Protection, designed to ensure that every young Nigerian can thrive in a globally competitive environment.
“This collaboration is not just about programmes; it is about building the future of our young people. Together, we can ensure that Nigerian youth are empowered, innovative, and globally competitive,” stated.
