President Pledges Skill Development, Economic Empowerment, and Leadership Training for Young Nigerians
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to equipping Nigerian youths with the essential skills needed to compete effectively on the global stage.
This was highlighted on Monday in Abuja as he officially launched the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa.
Speaking at the event through Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria, with a median age of 17 years, remains one of the youngest populations in the world.
He noted that this demographic reality presents a unique opportunity for strategic investment in youth empowerment and human capital development.
The Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) is designed to address key developmental challenges by focusing on three critical areas: education and skills development, economic empowerment, and leadership and civic engagement.
Through world-class training in digital literacy, technical skills, entrepreneurship, and the creative industries, young Nigerians will be equipped to compete globally.
Initiatives like the Youth Investment Fund and the Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters will provide financial support, mentorship, and resources to young entrepreneurs, while the establishment of a National Youth Development Bank will ensure access to capital needed to turn ideas into thriving businesses.
According to President Tinubu, NiYA is a proactive response to Nigeria’s low human capital index ranking, rising youth unemployment, and skill gaps, which have long hindered national progress.
He assured that within the next two years, the academy will train and empower millions of young Nigerians, equipping them with the skills and knowledge essential for global competitiveness. "This initiative is not just an investment in their future; it is an investment in the future of our nation," he said.
Acknowledging the persistent challenges of youth unemployment and learning poverty, the President stressed the need for a skills-driven learning environment to secure the country’s human capital.
"The Nigerian Youth Academy is our commitment to changing the narrative. It will nurture the next generation of leaders, ensuring that real change is felt in communities, not just in Abuja," he added.
Minister for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, described the initiative as a game-changer for young Nigerians, providing them with marketable skills to bridge the gap in the job market.
"The President promised Nigerian youths a platform to achieve their dreams. Many young Nigerians aspire to secure good jobs and live fulfilling lives. NiYA is here to make that a reality," Olawande said, urging youths to seize the opportunity to learn skills and secure their future.
In support of the initiative, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, underscored the academy’s significance in empowering the youth.
He congratulated six members of NiYA, one from each of the six geopolitical zones who received a ₦1 million start-up package to launch their business initiatives.
"Skills, not just certificates, are the real currency of today’s global digital economy. NiYA is more than a learning platform; it is a launch pad for a new generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs, creators, professionals, and founders," Edun stated.
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