By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Federal Government has stepped up efforts to tackle youth unemployment through expanded digital skills programmes, strategic partnerships, and inclusive empowerment initiatives designed to create sustainable opportunities for young Nigerians across the country.
The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, disclosed this during an interview on African Independent Television (AIT), where he outlined the Ministry’s renewed focus on practical youth empowerment, transparency, and nationwide impact.
Central to the initiative is a major collaboration with The Digital School (TDS), supported by the Government of the United Arab Emirates, which aims to train 50,000 Nigerian youths in globally relevant digital skills.
According to the Minister, the programme is expected to deliver at least 5,000 internationally certified and employable youths within its first six months.
Comrade Olawande said the Ministry is also strengthening partnerships in key sectors such as agriculture through collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), while expanding interventions under the Nigerian Youth Academy and other youth-focused programmes.
He noted that the government is widening access to internships, startup support, and gig economy opportunities to ensure more young Nigerians benefit from ongoing reforms and empowerment initiatives.
The Minister further explained that digital literacy programmes are being intensified through the TDS initiative in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
To promote transparency and equal access, the Ministry has also launched a digital engagement platform known as “Nigerian New Tech,” aimed at ensuring merit-based participation in government programmes and opportunities.
He added that reforms targeting youth health, financial inclusion, and social protection are also being implemented to improve the welfare and economic participation of young people nationwide.
Speaking during the interview, the Minister said the government is determined to move beyond short-term interventions and build sustainable structures that can deliver lasting impact for Nigerian youths.
He stressed that the partnership with The Digital School and the UAE Government is designed not only to provide training but also to prepare Nigerian youths for global employment opportunities, including remote and international work.
Comrade Olawande further stated that the administration remains committed to ensuring that young Nigerians, particularly those in underserved and informal sectors, are not excluded from opportunities for growth and development.
He reaffirmed that youth development remains a major pillar of Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda, assuring that the Ministry will continue to expand partnerships and implement programmes that empower future generations.
