President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), a government initiative designed to equip young Nigerians with essential skills. The program aims to boost the country’s human capital index and reduce unemployment.
The launch took place at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President), announced the development in a statement.
Nigeria’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.3% in the second quarter of 2024, down from 5.3% in the first quarter. However, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported a slight year-on-year increase of 0.1 percentage points compared to the same period in 2023.
Government’s Plan to Equip Young Nigerians
Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Tinubu at the event, emphasized the administration’s commitment to youth empowerment. He highlighted key areas where the government will provide training, including digital literacy, technical skills, entrepreneurship, and the creative industries.
“Nigeria has one of the youngest populations in the world, with a median age of 17,” Shettima stated. “By 2050, we are projected to be the third-largest country globally. This reality demands that we prepare our youth to take on leadership and economic roles.”
He described NiYA as a direct response to the country’s workforce challenges. Within two years, the academy will train and empower millions of young Nigerians.
The initiative focuses on three critical areas:
Education & Skills Development – Training young people in digital literacy and technical skills.
Economic Empowerment – Providing financial support and mentorship through programs like the Youth Investment Fund and the Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters.
Leadership & Civic Engagement – Developing young leaders who will drive national progress.
Addressing Unemployment and Learning Gaps
Shettima acknowledged the persistent challenges of youth unemployment and learning poverty. He stressed the importance of NiYA in addressing these issues and equipping young Nigerians with the necessary tools for success.
“These numbers are not just statistics. They represent disrupted lives, deferred dreams, and uncertain futures. The Nigerian Youth Academy will change this reality,” he affirmed.
Financial Support for Young Entrepreneurs
To support young entrepreneurs, the government awarded N1 million each to six NiYA participants, one from each geopolitical zone.
Finance Minister Wale Edun congratulated the recipients and assured them of further government support. He emphasized that the funds would help them start businesses and become self-sufficient.
“This is just the beginning,” Edun said. “Through initiatives like the National Youth Development Bank, we will ensure young Nigerians have access to capital to transform their ideas into thriving businesses.”
With NiYA, the government aims to prepare Nigeria’s youth for a competitive global economy. By equipping them with skills and resources, the initiative seeks to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and long-term economic growth.
