The Federal Government, through the Bank of Industry (BOI) and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, has launched a pilot empowerment programme to provide 500 young Nigerians with free vocational, digital and entrepreneurial training.
The initiative, known as the BOI Youth Empowerment Pilot Programme, was announced in Lagos and will be delivered by Sapphital, a Pan-African digital learning and technology company based in Abuja.
The programme will be implemented through the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), where participants will undertake short, instructor-led video courses designed to equip them with practical skills for employment and business development.
The courses cover creative and artisan trades, production and manufacturing, as well as digital skills, with selections based on market demand and income-generation potential.
Beyond the training, selected participants will also benefit from mentorship, practical exposure and enterprise support opportunities to help them establish businesses or secure employment.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the initiative reflected the administration’s commitment to equipping young Nigerians with skills to compete in the global economy.
“President Bola Tinubu believes that youth empowerment and training are core pillars of national reform. A nation succeeds when its young population are globally competitive,” Olawande said.
He added that the programme was designed to provide young Nigerians with the skills and capabilities needed to compete and thrive internationally.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Industry, Dr Olasupo Olusi, described young Nigerians as a major economic asset whose potential could be harnessed through skills development and enterprise support.
“Young Nigerians are our greatest economic asset, and the Bank of Industry is committed to providing them the tools required to build a brighter future, creating viable enterprises,” Olusi said.
He explained that the initiative went beyond conventional training by connecting participants with mentorship and opportunities to establish and sustain businesses.
“This pilot is much more than just a training programme. It connects young people to skills, mentorship and real opportunities to start and sustain businesses,” he said.
Olusi further said the partnership between the BOI, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and Sapphital was intended to develop a model that could be expanded nationwide.
“Through our partnership with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and Sapphital, we are building a model that can be scaled across Nigeria to reach even more young people in support of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he added.
