President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to equipping Nigerian youths with essential skills to enable them to compete on a global scale. Speaking at the official launch of the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu highlighted the importance of preparing the country’s young population for the future.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the event, Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria, with a median age of 17, has one of the youngest populations in the world. He noted that the country’s projected growth to become the third-largest in the world by 2050 makes it crucial to invest in youth development.
Focus on Skills and Economic Empowerment
According to Tinubu, NiYA will concentrate on three key areas: education and skills development, economic empowerment, and leadership and civic engagement. He outlined plans for world-class training in digital literacy, technical skills, entrepreneurship, and the creative industries to ensure that Nigerian youths are globally competitive.
“Initiatives like the Youth Investment Fund and the Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters will provide financial support, mentorship, and resources to young entrepreneurs,” Tinubu stated. “The establishment of a National Youth Development Bank will further guarantee access to capital, allowing young innovators to turn ideas into thriving businesses.”
Addressing Youth Unemployment and Human Capital Development
Tinubu described NiYA as a bold response to Nigeria’s low human capital index, youth unemployment, and other development challenges. He assured that within the next two years, the academy would train and empower millions of young Nigerians, equipping them with knowledge and opportunities to compete with their peers worldwide.
“This is not just an investment in their future; it is an investment in the future of our nation,” he added, stressing that sustainable progress can only be achieved by fostering a skills-driven learning environment.
Government Ministers Highlight Impact
Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, explained that the initiative is designed to provide young Nigerians with marketable skills that align with job market demands. He called on Nigerian youths to take advantage of the program, stating that it represents President Tinubu’s commitment to creating opportunities for them.
“This initiative is for every Nigerian youth,” Olawande said. “NiYA is about bridging the skill gap in the job market and ensuring young people are equipped for employment and entrepreneurship.”
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, also praised NiYA, describing it as a significant step towards empowering young Nigerians. He noted that the academy caters to over 60 million Nigerian youths aged 18 to 35, both within the country and in the diaspora, who are eager for skills and opportunities.
“Skills, not just certificates, are the real currency of today’s global digital economy,” Edun said. “NiYA is more than just a learning platform—it’s a launch pad for a new generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs, creators, professionals, and innovators who can thrive in the digital world.”
To mark the launch, six members of NiYA, representing Nigeria’s six geo-political zones, received a startup package of N1 million each to help kick-start their entrepreneurial ventures.
With this initiative, the government aims to create a more competitive and self-sufficient youth population, ensuring that Nigeria’s next generation is well-equipped to drive economic growth and innovation.
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