Maryam Aminu
The Honorable Minister of Youth has launched the National Youth Skills Program (NYSP), a transformative initiative aimed at tackling youth unemployment in Nigeria.
Addressing a distinguished gathering of stakeholders, the Minister underscored the program’s importance in equipping young Nigerians with the skills and tools necessary to pursue their dreams and contribute to national development.
“Our nation is at a pivotal moment. The future of our youth, the heart of our progress, hangs in the balance. This program is not just a new initiative but a bold and transformative strategy to tackle one of our nation’s most pressing issues youth unemployment.” She added
The Minister disclosed that currently, over 42.5% of Nigeria’s young population remains unemployed, with 33 million young Nigerians lacking a clear path forward.
The Minister highlighted this alarming statistic as a call to action, emphasizing that the NYSP aims to change this narrative by focusing on 11 key sectors critical to Nigeria’s development, such as agriculture, renewable energy, and the digital economy.
“With the right skills and training, our youth can not only find employment but also become the driving force behind these sectors,” the Minister explained.
“Imagine a future where a young Nigerian trained through the NYSP becomes a job creator, establishing a business that powers homes and employs hundreds of others.”
The program also includes a robust financial empowerment component. Through the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), ₦110 billion has been allocated for the 2024 fiscal year to support youth-led businesses.
Dr. Bio expressed that the upcoming National Youth Development Bank will provide grants, loans, and mentorship to help young Nigerians turn their ideas into thriving enterprises.
The Minister highlighted the program’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that the NYSP reaches every corner of Nigeria, including remote villages.
“No young person should feel that opportunity is beyond their reach,” she said.
The NYSP aims to include 50% female participants and provide specific pathways for young women to thrive in various sectors. She noted that special provisions have also been made to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities.
Collaboration is at the core of the NYSP’s success, with contributions from government agencies, private sector leaders, civil society, and international partners.
The Minister called on the private sector to join the effort, not just as employers but as partners in training, apprenticeships, and mentorship.
To ensure the program’s effectiveness, a robust Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework has been implemented to track key performance indicators, such as job creation, the success rate of youth-led businesses, and contributions to national economic growth.
“We aim to reduce youth unemployment by as much as 20% over the next five years and achieve a 50% increase in youth-led enterprises,” the Minister declared.
“We are not just offering skills training; we are providing a holistic solution, bridging gaps, and aligning with global best practices.”
The Minister called on the youth of Nigeria to seize the opportunities presented by the NYSP.
“We believe in you. We are investing in you because you are the key to Nigeria’s future. Let’s build that future together.”
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