By Franca Ofili
The Federal Government has equipped 239,726 Nigerian youths with digital, employability and practical skills through the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, said.
Olawande said this in Abuja while delivering his address at the commemoration of International Youth Day 2026, themed “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”
Mrs Omolara Esan, Department of Information and Public Relations in the ministry, said this in a statement issued on Wednesday.
The minister said the achievement underscored government’s commitment to equipping young Nigerians with relevant skills, expanding economic opportunities and creating pathways to employment, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.
He explained that through NiYA, the ministry was providing young people with practical knowledge and skills required to navigate the changing world of work and access emerging opportunities.
“Through NiYA, we are equipping our young people with the practical skills they need to navigate the changing world of work and take advantage of emerging opportunities,” he said.
Olawande further disclosed that 1,215,203 certificates had been downloaded from the NiYA platform, describing the figure as evidence of increasing engagement with learning and development opportunities.
According to him, the growing number of certificate downloads reflected young Nigerians’ determination to acquire new skills, improve their employability and enhance their economic prospects.
He highlighted the ministry’s efforts to support youth entrepreneurship through NiYA StartUp, revealing that 200 young business owners had received N1 million each to strengthen their enterprises.
Olawande added that another 200 young people operating in the informal sector had received N500,000 each to support and expand their businesses.
He said the ministry’s partnership with Cascador Founders would provide additional support to selected young entrepreneurs on the NiYA platform through improved access to capital and business development opportunities.
“Our commitment is to ensure that young Nigerians do not only acquire skills but also have access to the opportunities and support they need to turn their ideas into sustainable businesses,” Olawande said.
The minister said the initiatives formed part of government’s broader strategy to position Nigerian youths as active participants in national development and ensure skills acquisition translated into economic opportunities.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Maryam Keshinro, commended the resilience, creativity and resourcefulness of Nigerian youths, stressing the need for sustained investment in youth development.
She called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, development partners, private-sector organisations and youth-led groups to expand inclusive, sustainable and responsive opportunities for young Nigerians.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, represented by Mr Chienwedu, reaffirmed the scheme’s commitment to initiatives equipping young Nigerians with relevant skills for national development.
The Head of Programme, GIZ Centres for Migration and Nigerian Diaspora Matters, Ms Sandra Vermuijten, underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in creating sustainable opportunities for young people in skills development, employment and migration.
In his welcome address, Community Development Service (CDS) President, Okpalaji Byron, appreciated the ministry and stakeholders for providing platforms promoting youth empowerment, inclusion and participation in national development.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru