FG eyes 50,000 youths for digital jobs
The Federal Government has partnered with the Digital School (TDS) to train 50,000 Nigerian youths in globally competitive digital skills. The partnership is supported by the Government of the United
- …expands partnerships for nationwide empowerment
The Federal Government has partnered with the Digital School (TDS) to train 50,000 Nigerian youths in globally competitive digital skills.
The partnership is supported by the Government of the United Arab Emirates.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said this in a statement signed by Director, Information and Public Relations, Omolara Esan, on Thursday.
The minister said the government has intensified efforts to empower young Nigerians through strategic partnerships, digital skills development, and inclusive programmes to create sustainable employment opportunities nationwide.
He noted that the initiative is expected to produce at least 5,000 internationally certified, job-ready youth within the first six months of implementation.
Comrade Olawande also highlighted the Ministry’s sector-specific collaborations, including its partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), aimed at boosting youth participation in agriculture.
The minister added that this is being complemented by expanded programmes under the Nigerian Youth Academy and other key youth empowerment initiatives.
He further disclosed that the government is scaling up internship, gig economy, and startup support programmes to reach a wider range of beneficiaries across the country, while also intensifying efforts to promote digital literacy through The Digital School (TDS) initiative, being implemented in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
To enhance transparency and ensure merit-based access to opportunities, the Ministry also introduced a digital engagement platform, “Nigerian New Tech.”
He added that ongoing reforms in youth health, financial inclusion, and social protection are also broadening opportunities for young Nigerians.
Olawande said, “We are moving away from fragmented and tokenistic approaches to youth development. Our focus is to build sustainable systems that empower young Nigerians at scale and with real impact.
“Through our partnership with The Digital School and the UAE Government, we are not just training youths; we are preparing them for global opportunities, whether they choose to work remotely or internationally.
“For too long, many young Nigerians, especially those in the informal sector, have been excluded from structured opportunities. This administration is committed to ensuring that no young person is left behind.
“Our role as government is to create an enabling environment where young people can thrive, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to national development.
“Transparency and merit are at the core of all our programmes. Access to opportunities should not depend on who you know, but on your capacity and readiness to grow.
The minister added that youth development remained central to Nigeria’s economic growth, assuring that the ministry will continue to deepen partnerships, expand programmes, and implement sustainable frameworks for the benefit of present and future generations.
