The Nigerian federal government has announced plans to lift five million young citizens out of poverty through its skills acquisition and empowerment programmes. The initiative, part of the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy, aims to equip young Nigerians with practical, market-relevant skills to enhance their economic independence and employability. This programme is a key component of President Bola Tinubu's commitment to empower Nigerians through technical, vocational, and entrepreneurial education.
The programme, coordinated by Dr. Abiola Arogundade, Senior Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Education, commenced in the Federal Capital Territory and has moved to Oyo State. It will run from September 28 to October 9, 2026, in Oyo State, with 200 young Nigerians being trained in Graphics and Artificial Intelligence, makeup artistry, and fashion designing. Specifically, 30 participants are undergoing training in Graphics/AI, while 85 each are receiving training in makeup artistry and fashion designing.
According to Dr. Arogundade, the initiative goes beyond skills acquisition, as beneficiaries will be connected to organisations and business opportunities to support their transition into sustainable livelihoods. The programme aims to have a multiplier effect, empowering not just the direct beneficiaries but also their communities. The presidential aide emphasised that the federal government is committed to creating opportunities for young Nigerians to become economically self-reliant through practical training and entrepreneurship development.
During the programme's grand finale, 500 tablets will be distributed as part of the federal government's digital empowerment drive. Dr. Arogundade urged participants to take the training seriously, maximise the opportunity, and use their newly acquired skills to empower others within their communities. She encouraged them to know that President Bola Tinubu is thinking about all Nigerians, particularly young Nigerians, and is ready to address their plights.
Keynote speaker for the Graphics/AI training, Mrs Oluronke Shonubi, highlighted the growing adoption of artificial intelligence and its potential to accelerate development, improve employability, and prepare young people for emerging jobs in Nigeria. The programme's focus on emerging digital skills, such as Graphics and AI, is expected to enhance the employability of young Nigerians in the rapidly evolving job market.
Beneficiaries of the programme have expressed appreciation for the opportunity to acquire new skills. Idowu Olalere, a 400-level student of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, thanked the Federal Government for providing young Nigerians with opportunities to acquire emerging digital skills. The programme's impact is expected to be felt beyond the direct beneficiaries, as they are expected to empower others within their communities.
The Oyo State phase of the programme is part of a larger effort to extend the initiative to other states and geopolitical zones across the country. With its focus on practical skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development, the programme has the potential to make a significant impact on poverty reduction in Nigeria. The federal government's commitment to creating opportunities for young Nigerians to become economically self-reliant is a key aspect of this initiative.
Key points
- The programme aims to lift 5 million young Nigerians out of poverty through skills acquisition and empowerment programmes.
- The initiative has commenced in the Federal Capital Territory and Oyo State, with plans to extend to other states and geopolitical zones.
- The programme includes training in emerging digital skills, such as Graphics and Artificial Intelligence, to enhance employability.
