ABUJA — The Federal Government has provided digital, employability and practical skills training to 239,726 Nigerian youths through the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has disclosed.
Olawande made the disclosure in Abuja during activities marking the 2026 International Youth Day, themed “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”
The minister said the achievement demonstrated the government’s efforts to prepare young Nigerians for employment, entrepreneurship and other emerging economic opportunities.
According to him, NiYA is designed to provide young people with practical knowledge that can help them adapt to the changing demands of the labour market.
Olawande also disclosed that more than 1.2 million certificates had been downloaded from the NiYA platform, describing the figure as an indication of the growing interest of Nigerian youths in skills development.
He said the high number of certificate downloads showed that many young Nigerians were actively seeking opportunities to improve their employability and economic prospects.
The minister further highlighted the government’s efforts to promote youth entrepreneurship through the NiYA StartUp initiative.
He revealed that 200 young entrepreneurs had received N1 million each to strengthen their businesses, while another 200 young people in the informal sector received N500,000 each to support the growth of their enterprises.
Olawande added that the ministry was collaborating with Cascador Founders to provide selected young entrepreneurs on the NiYA platform with additional access to funding and business development support.
He stressed that the government’s objective was not only to provide skills but also to ensure that young Nigerians could translate those skills into sustainable businesses and employment opportunities.
The minister said the various initiatives formed part of a broader strategy to make Nigerian youths active contributors to national development.
He called for continued investment in youth development and stronger partnerships between government agencies, development organisations, private-sector players and youth-led groups.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Dr Maryam Keshinro, commended Nigerian youths for their creativity, resilience and resourcefulness.
Keshinro urged stakeholders to strengthen collaboration in creating inclusive and sustainable opportunities that would respond to the changing needs of young people.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, represented at the event by Mr Chienwedu, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to programmes that equip young Nigerians with relevant skills.
Meanwhile, Sandra Vermuijten, Head of Programme at GIZ Centres for Migration and Nigerian Diaspora Matters, stressed the importance of strategic partnerships in expanding opportunities in skills development, employment and migration.
Community Development Service President, Okpalaji Byron, also appreciated the ministry and other stakeholders for supporting initiatives aimed at youth empowerment and greater participation in national development.
The Federal Government says the NiYA programme remains part of its broader efforts to equip Nigerian youths with skills and connect them with opportunities for economic advancement.
