The federal government has introduced the National Youth Skills Programme (NYSP), an ambitious initiative designed to combat youth unemployment and equip young Nigerians with critical skills for the future.
At the launch event in Abuja on Thursday, Minister of Youth Development Jamila Ibrahim outlined the programme’s goals and objectives.
“The NYSP is a strategic response to high youth unemployment,” Ibrahim stated. “Our aim is to reduce youth unemployment by 20% over the next five years and to increase youth-led enterprises by 50%.”
She emphasized the importance of ongoing evaluation, noting that regular assessments and feedback mechanisms will be employed to refine strategies and ensure no one is left behind. “With the right skills and training, our youth will not only find employment but will also drive growth in key sectors, creating a ripple effect of new job opportunities,” she added.
In addition to skill development, the government plans to empower youth financially. Ibrahim highlighted the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund, which has allocated 110 billion naira for 2024 to support youth-led ventures. The forthcoming National Youth Development Bank will further this effort, providing grants, loans, and mentorship to help young entrepreneurs turn their ideas into successful businesses.
The minister also stressed the programme’s commitment to inclusivity. “We are dedicated to ensuring that 50% of participants are women and have tailored pathways to support their success in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and entrepreneurship,” Ibrahim said. “We are also partnering with organizations to ensure that persons with disabilities have full access to training programs and necessary accommodations.”
The NYSP will focus on 11 key sectors vital to Nigeria’s growth, including agriculture, renewable energy, digital economy, manufacturing, healthcare, creative arts, sustainable mobility, circular economy, teaching skills, mining, and the blue economy.
Senior Special Adviser Aminu Abdullahi emphasized that the programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He stated that the NYSP aims to equip over five million youths with employable skills and foster entrepreneurship and innovation.
Abdullahi also outlined the NYSP’s monitoring and evaluation framework, which will track job creation, business success rates, economic contributions, and overall impact. He called for collaboration from private sector partners, government agencies, and international organizations to ensure the programme’s success and continuous improvement.
