The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and global technology firm Cisco have partnered to equip up to 50,000 Nigerian youths with digital skills. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between graduate unemployment and the growing demand for technology-driven jobs in Nigeria. The partnership is backed by the European Union (EU) and will provide beneficiaries of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) with free access to Cisco’s Networking Academy platform.
The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at the UN House in Abuja. The initiative seeks to complement graduates’ workplace experience with digital training, as technological proficiency becomes increasingly important across industries. This intervention is expected to strengthen the link between education, practical workplace experience, and employment. It will also expand young Nigerians’ access to skills required in the evolving digital economy.
The NJFP is a federal government initiative funded by the EU and implemented by UNDP. It aims to connect Nigerian graduates with structured workplace learning and employment opportunities. Representatives of the federal government, the EU, development partners, NJFP fellows, and alumni attended the signing ceremony. The partnership aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its priorities of employment generation, economic opportunities, and human capital development.
According to Mr. Akubo Adegbe, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Delivery and Coordination, the collaboration will strengthen the relationship between skills acquisition and job creation. The EU sees this partnership as part of its broader support for a more competitive and inclusive Nigerian economy. The bloc remains committed to youth empowerment and Nigeria’s digital economic development through its Global Gateway strategy.
The Head of Green and Digital Economy at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms Yolanda San Jose, emphasized the EU’s commitment to supporting a competitive, greener, and inclusive economy. This economy will enable young people to drive innovation and create sustainable economic opportunities. UNDP Resident Representative, Ms Elsie Attafuah, noted that the collaboration will help connect young Nigerians’ skills and workplace experience with employment opportunities in a competitive labor market.
The partnership brings together Cisco’s technology expertise and UNDP’s development experience to help young people secure meaningful employment and sustainable livelihoods. Participating fellows and alumni will access digital learning opportunities through Cisco Networking Academy on a rolling basis. This training is expected to complement their workplace exposure and strengthen their employability and competitiveness in the labor market.
The initiative is a significant step towards addressing the challenges of graduate unemployment and the growing demand for technology-driven jobs in Nigeria. With the support of the EU and UNDP, Cisco’s digital skills training will equip young Nigerians with the skills required to succeed in the evolving digital economy. This partnership has the potential to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth in Nigeria.
Key points
- UNDP and Cisco partner to provide digital skills training to 50,000 Nigerian youths.
- The partnership aims to bridge the gap between graduate unemployment and the growing demand for technology-driven jobs.
- The initiative is backed by the European Union and will provide beneficiaries with free access to Cisco’s Networking Academy platform.
