How FG, World Bank’s tech intervention programme impacts youths — Issues — The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News

With an estimated youth population of 151 million out of a national total of slightly above 217 million, Nigeria possesses significant potential for economic growth and development, according to the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

However, a large portion of this youth demographic remains unemployed, contributing to youth restiveness and hindering economic progress. Recent findings by the Borgen Project indicate that over 80 million young Nigerians aged 15-24 are unemployed, representing more than 70 per cent of the national population – a demographic crucial to national development that cannot be overlooked.

To address this issue, the Federal Ministry of Education, in partnership with the World Bank, Cizoti Nigeria Limited and Odyssey Educational Foundation initiated a free digital skills training programme aimed at up-skilling 400 young Nigerians to help them gain employment in the rapidly evolving technology sector and reduce the youth unemployment rate.

Under the Innovation Grant Facility (IGF) of the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project, themed ‘Innovate with GIS, Drone Tech, 3D Design and Printing’, unemployed youths across the country underwent rigorous training for six months to enhance their proficiency in these tech innovation areas.

To promote inclusivity and gender sensitivity, the tech innovation project targeted 240 females and 160 males for its comprehensive programme, which included intensive training, certification exams, internships, graduation and a business pitching event.

The business pitching session showcased the innovative solutions and entrepreneurial ideas developed by the trainees, as they presented projects aimed at addressing real-world challenges and capturing market opportunities.

According to experts, this training has positioned the participants to remain relevant in a tech-driven society, and also given them a strong edge in the job market.

During the closing ceremony of the intensive training, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cizoti Nigeria Limited, Edidiong Amos, stated that the goal is to equip Nigerian youths with essential skills for digital entrepreneurship, employability and innovation.

“To achieve this, participants were trained for free, awarded industry certifications to validate their newly acquired skills, and provided with internship and mentorship opportunities to enhance their chances of employment.

“The emphasis is on empowering Nigerian youths to become proactive in their careers and gain competitive advantage in an evolving technological landscape,” she noted.

Organisers of the programme believe that equipping Nigerian youths with the right knowledge will enable them to respond effectively to real-world challenges and to capitalise on market opportunities.

The participants acknowledged that learning and adapting to emerging technologies is vital for their employment and self-reliance. A digital health expert, Dr. Emeka Chukwu, emphasised the significance of the project in positioning Nigerian youths as leaders in the ongoing digital revolution, unlocking exciting opportunities for professional growth and contributing to the nation’s economic development.

He noted that technology will shape the future of entrepreneurship globally. A scientific researcher at the United Nations African Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in English (UN-ARCSSTEE), Dr. Felix Buba, highlighted the necessity of digital skills for managing businesses in a tech-driven market.

“Nigerian youths need digital skills to advance their careers or establish their own businesses,” he stated. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Odyssey Educational Foundation and project partner, Stella Uzochukwu-Denis, explained her organisation’s role in training youths on 3D design and printing.

Uzochukwu-Denis, an engineer, said: “Odyssey’s contribution focused on equipping participants with practical skills in 3D technology, fostering innovation, and preparing them for future opportunities in tech-driven industries.”

President, Labour Business School, Ossai Ilome Makkins, who co-authored ‘Becoming Creative and Innovative’ with Konsik Kim, also emphasised that Nigerian youths need to acquire tech skills to enable them play competitively in the global business landscape.

World Bank experts, Dr. Mistura Rufai, Gerard Peart and Ms. Naimah Mohammed also insisted that up-skilling youths with digital know-how strategically position them to leverage digital skills to innovate, improve efficiency and stay competitive.

They also provided insights into digital skills for remote work, the gig economy and freelancing. Professionals agree that for Nigerian youths to compete effectively in the global tech arena and counter youth unemployment, they must become tech savvy. They also stressed that Nigeria stands to gain significantly in terms of economic growth and national development, while simultaneously reducing youth restiveness and promoting peace by equipping its youths with tech skills.

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