Maryam Aminu
The Federal Government has taken decisive steps to equip Nigerian youth with essential skills for success and meaningful contributions to national development.
The Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim announced this during a youth skills stakeholder consultative dialogue at her office in Abuja.
Dr. Ibrahim reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians.
“Nigeria’s youth make up over 60 percent of our population. This demographic is not just a statistic but a powerful force that, if properly harnessed, can transform our economy and elevate our global standing,” she said.
The Minister addressed the pressing issue of youth unemployment, highlighting the urgency of skills development and employment initiatives.
“With youth unemployment currently at approximately 42.5 percent, this is not a challenge we can afford to overlook. It requires immediate and comprehensive action,” she asserted.
Dr. Ibrahim detailed the Ministry’s strategies to tackle youth unemployment through groundbreaking initiatives, such as the restructured Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), the Presidential Initiative on Youth Engagement and Cluster (PIYEC), and the National Youth Skills Program. These initiatives aim to equip young Nigerians with the skills, resources, and opportunities necessary to thrive in an evolving global economy and drive sustainable national progress.
“These programs provide accessible financing, training, mentorship, and enterprise development opportunities across critical economic sectors, paving the way for financial empowerment,” Dr. Ibrahim explained.
“The National Youth Skills Program, in particular, equips Nigerian youth with cutting-edge, globally competitive skills to ensure they are prepared for today’s interconnected marketplace.”
She also emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving these goals.
“We aim to foster stronger interagency cooperation and enhance partnerships among government bodies, donors, and the private sector. By aligning our roles, leveraging our strengths, and pooling resources, we can create a unified and impactful approach to youth skills development,” the Minister added.
In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, welcomed the stakeholders and underscored the significance of the National Youth Skills Program (NYSP).
Olusanya explained that the program is designed to bridge the critical skills gap among Nigerian youth, aligning with Nigeria’s broader development objectives, particularly President Bola Tinubu’s eight-point agenda to reduce unemployment and foster economic growth through entrepreneurship.
Prince Olugbenga Momoh, the Director of Enterprise Development and Promotion at the Ministry, thanked the stakeholders for their participation despite the short notice, describing their commitment as a positive sign for the future of Nigerian youth.
He outlined the Ministry’s efforts in building capacity in various areas, including vocational skills, business development training, and sectors such as borehole drilling, plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, interior decoration, tiling, vulcanizing, mechanics, and the creative industry.
4th from the right is Dr. Jamila Ibrahim, 5th from the right is the Perm. Sec.with some directors of the Ministry and stakeholders during the meeting
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