Abuja: The Federal Government has successfully equipped 239,726 Nigerian youths with essential digital, employability, and practical skills through the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), according to Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande. This announcement was made during his address at the International Youth Day 2026 celebration in Abuja, themed ‘Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.’
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Minister Olawande emphasized the government’s dedication to empowering young Nigerians by enhancing their skills, expanding economic opportunities, and creating pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods. He highlighted that NiYA is pivotal in providing young individuals with the necessary skills to navigate the evolving job market and access new opportunities.
The minister revealed that 1,215,203 certificates had been downloaded from the NiYA platform, indicating significant engagement with learning and development initiatives. He noted that the increasing number of certificate downloads demonstrates the determination of young Nigerians to acquire new skills, improve their employability, and boost their economic prospects.
Further emphasizing the initiative’s impact, Olawande disclosed that the NiYA StartUp program had supported 200 young business owners with N1 million each to enhance their enterprises. Additionally, another 200 youths in the informal sector received N500,000 each to expand their businesses. The ministry’s collaboration with Cascador Founders aims to provide selected young entrepreneurs on the NiYA platform with better access to capital and business development opportunities.
Olawande reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that young Nigerians not only acquire skills but also have access to the necessary support to transform their ideas into sustainable businesses. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to involve Nigerian youths actively in national development and ensure that skills acquisition translates into economic opportunities.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Maryam Keshinro, praised the resilience and creativity of Nigerian youths, urging continuous investment in youth development. She called for stronger collaboration among government entities, development partners, private-sector organizations, and youth-led groups to expand inclusive and sustainable opportunities for young Nigerians.
Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), represented by Mr Chienwedu, reaffirmed the scheme’s commitment to initiatives that equip young Nigerians with vital skills for national development. Ms Sandra Vermuijten, Head of Programme at GIZ Centres for Migration and Nigerian Diaspora Matters, emphasized the significance of strategic partnerships in creating sustainable opportunities for youth in skills development, employment, and migration.
In his welcome address, Community Development Service (CDS) President, Okpalaji Byron, commended the ministry and stakeholders for facilitating platforms that promote youth empowerment, inclusion, and participation in national development.