The Federal Government says a major youth empowerment scheme is underway, targeting not less than seven million young Nigerians for vocational and digital upskilling programmes.
Youth Development Minister Ayodele Olawande revealed this in Abuja during a courtesy visit by officials of the IHK Giessen-Friedberg Chambers of Commerce and Industry from Germany, on Tuesday, the 4th of November, 2025.
According to a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Omolara Esan, Olawande explained that the move is designed to equip young people with practical competencies and qualifications that can boost employment prospects, drive enterprise, and promote self-dependence.
He explained that the initiative will run through the Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA), which is building strong collaborations with institutions in Nigeria and Germany to widen training access. The minister linked this effort to President Ahmed Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises youth empowerment.
“Our goal is not just to produce job seekers but to nurture innovators and entrepreneurs who will contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economy,” Olawande said.
He also listed agencies and institutions the ministry will continue to work with, including the Chambers Academy, the Nigerian Institute for Vocational Training and Corporate Development, the German Chambers of Commerce, and relevant ministries like Labour and Science, to scale vocational and digital learning nationwide.
The minister announced that a digital learning platform is about to be rolled out under NIYA. He said the platform will mirror global models, such as Coursera, and will remove access barriers so young Nigerians in all states can learn online.
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Olawande explained that the ministry’s youth agenda stands on three pillars Support, Empowerment, and Protection aimed at helping young people compete in modern industries.
“This collaboration is not just about programmes; it is about building the future of our young people. Together, we can ensure that Nigerian youths are empowered, innovative, and globally competitive,” he added.
The Chief Executive Officer of the IHK Giessen-Friedberg Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Matthias Leder, voiced support for Nigeria’s push to expand vocational education and legal migration pathways.
He commended the Federal Government’s efforts and pointed to results already seen from joint projects between both countries. Leder disclosed that 300 young Nigerians have been picked for the Legal Labour Migration and Dual Vocational Training Project and are billed to be celebrated in Lagos on November 12, having finished their A1 German language level.
He also highlighted the merits of the German dual system, where trainees earn while learning, and encouraged more cooperation between both nations to create fresh training and employment openings for young people.