Nigerian Government Launches Skills Program for Youth

The federal government of Nigeria plans to lift five million young Nigerians out of poverty through skills acquisition and empowerment programs under the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS). Dr Abiola Arogundade, Senior Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education (OSSAP-TVEE), announced this initiative on September 28 in Ibadan, marking the commencement of the Oyo State phase, which will run until October 9.

The program aims to equip young Nigerians with practical, market-relevant skills to enhance their economic independence and employability. The Oyo State phase includes training for 200 young Nigerians in areas such as Graphics and Artificial Intelligence (AI), makeup artistry, and fashion designing.

Of the participants, 30 are in Graphics/AI, while 85 are in each of the other two fields. Additionally, the initiative will connect beneficiaries to organizations and business opportunities to support their transition into sustainable livelihoods.

The program will also distribute 500 tablets during the grand finale as part of the digital empowerment drive.