The Federal Government has announced plans to empower at least 7 million youths with dual vocational training and digital skills development programmes.
Youth Development Minister Ayodele Olawande announced this yesterday in Abuja when he hosted a delegation of the IHK Giessen-Friedberg Chambers of Commerce and Industry from Germany.
In a statement by the ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Omolara Esan, the minister noted that the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to equipping young Nigerians with practical and industry-relevant skills that foster self-reliance, innovation, and employability.
He said the Federal Government, through the Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA), was strengthening partnerships with German and Nigerian institutions to expand access to vocational and digital training opportunities, in line with President Ahmed Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for youth empowerment.
“Our goal is not just to produce job seekers but to nurture innovators and entrepreneurs who will contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economy,” Olawande said.
The minister restated the ministry’s readiness to deepen collaboration with institutions, such as the Chambers Academy, the Nigerian Institute for Vocational Training and Corporate Development, as well as the German Chambers of Commerce, and relevant ministries and agencies, including those of Labour and Science, to broaden vocational and digital learning opportunities nationwide.
He added that the ministry will soon launch a digital learning platform under the Nigerian Youth Academy, modelled after global platforms, such as Coursera, to make skills acquisition easily accessible to young Nigerians across the country.
Olawande described the ministry’s youth development strategy as a tripartite framework anchored on Support, Empowerment, and Protection to ensure that every young Nigerian can thrive in a globally competitive environment.
“This collaboration is not just about programmes; it is about building the future of our young people. Together, we can ensure that Nigerian youths are empowered, innovative, and globally competitive,” he added.
The Chief Executive Officer of the IHK Giessen-Friedberg Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Matthias Leder, reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to supporting Nigerian youths through vocational training and legal migration initiatives.
He hailed the Federal Government’s leadership in advancing youth skills development and highlighted the success of ongoing bilateral programmes between Nigeria and Germany.
Leder noted that 300 Nigerian youths have been selected for the Legal Labour Migration and Dual Vocational Training Project and will be honoured in Lagos on November 12, after completing their A1 German language level.
He praised the German dual training model, where apprentices earn from the first day, and called for stronger cooperation between Nigerian and German institutions to expand opportunities for young people and deepen bilateral relations.
