The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched the iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Program, a nationwide initiative offering free digital, employability, and specialized skills training to young people. The program's North-Central intervention aims to train 50,000 young people across Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory. Eligible participants will access training across different skill levels, alongside employability support to help them prepare for employment opportunities in the digital and Business Process Outsourcing sectors.
The iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Program is implemented by Tech4Dev, in a consortium with TeleSoftas and Taltrix. The program combines virtual, self-paced, and in-person learning with employability support, employer engagement, job matching, and placement support. This comprehensive approach aims to help participants build practical, job-relevant skills and prepare for opportunities in the digital economy. The program is co-financed by the African Development Bank, Agence Française de Développement, and the Islamic Development Bank, with the Bank of Industry as the executing agency.
The broader, nation-wide iDICE Skills-to-Jobs initiative targets 300,000 young Nigerians, with the North-Central intervention contributing 50,000 participants towards this target. The program responds to the growing need for skills that align with the demands of the digital economy, helping young people build practical, job-relevant capabilities and prepare for employment opportunities. By focusing on digital and creative skills, the program aims to equip young Nigerians with industry-relevant skills that can lead to meaningful employment.
The program has built-in specific measures to reach under-served segments in society. Women, persons with disabilities, and young people from under-served communities are particularly encouraged to apply. Skills development under the program is structured across three learning levels: Foundational, Developmental, and Specialized. Training areas range from digital literacy, customer support, and data entry to data analytics, SEO writing, UI/UX, product management, coding, AI engineering, cybersecurity, animation, and digital marketing.
Dr. Olasupo Olusi, MD/CEO of Bank of Industry, emphasized the importance of the Skills-to-Jobs initiative in equipping young Nigerians with industry-relevant digital and creative skills. He noted that the program is designed to expand access to skills development while responding to the growing demand for talent in Nigeria's BPO industry and the global digital economy. The Bank of Industry is working with Tech4Dev, TeleSoftas, and Taltrix to extend this opportunity to young people across North-Central Nigeria.
According to Abraham Akpan, Country Manager, Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa at Tech4Dev, the program reflects Tech4Dev's vision of creating economic prosperity for young and underserved populations. The program aims to provide skills that create access to meaningful economic opportunities. By offering free training and employability support, the program seeks to bridge the skills gap and enhance the employability of young people across North-Central Nigeria.
Interested young people can now apply for the iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Program. The program's comprehensive approach, which includes employability support and job placement assistance, is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of 50,000 young people across North-Central Nigeria. By acquiring industry-relevant skills, participants will be better equipped to compete in the job market and contribute to the growth of Nigeria's digital economy.
Key points
- The iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Program aims to train 50,000 young people across North-Central Nigeria.
- The program offers free digital, employability, and specialized skills training.
- The broader initiative targets 300,000 young Nigerians nationwide.
