The Nigerian federal government has announced a major collaboration with tech giant Google to empower young Nigerians via digital transformation, enhancing their access to global and local opportunities. This strategic partnership was revealed by the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, during a meeting with a Google delegation led by Ms. Tanya Singh, Head of Value Education, at the ministry’s Abuja headquarters.
This initiative aligns with the government’s vision of equipping youth with essential technological skills to drive economic growth and innovation. Through targeted investments in digital infrastructure, skills training, and entrepreneurship support, Google and the Nigerian government aim to position the country as a leading hub for AI and tech talent in Africa and beyond.
A Unified Vision: One Youth, Two Skills
Minister Olawande stressed the importance of collaboration between government agencies and private sector players, highlighting that government funding alone cannot meet the enormous needs of Nigerian youth. “This partnership with Google marks a critical step towards fulfilling President Bola Tinubu’s vision of ‘One Youth, Two Skills,’” he said, urging NGOs and organizations to contribute to the empowerment efforts.
He also emphasized ongoing collaborations with institutions like the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to leverage technology for youth development.
Five Pillars of the Google-Nigeria Partnership
Ms. Tanya Singh outlined five core focus areas guiding this collaboration, born from recent talks between President Tinubu and Google’s CEO:
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Human Capacity Development
Investing in digital education and upskilling programs to unlock new career pathways for Nigeria’s large youth population. -
Building Digital Infrastructure
Establishing a robust AI and technology framework to accelerate digital transformation for government, businesses, and individuals. -
Economic Diversification
Promoting emerging sectors such as fintech, agri-tech, and health-tech to reduce dependence on traditional industries. -
SME Support and Entrepreneurship
Equipping young entrepreneurs with tools and resources to scale their businesses and compete globally. -
Positioning Nigeria as a Global Tech Talent Hub
Elevating Nigeria’s status as a premier center for AI and tech expertise, initially focusing on Africa but with global ambitions.
Investing in the Future of Nigerian Youth
Ms. Singh highlighted the necessity of sustained investment in digital skills, noting, “Youth need not just training but opportunities to apply their skills in real-world settings, be it through employment or entrepreneurship.”
To this end, Google plans to invest in initiatives like a Digital Youth Academy and digital literacy programs nationwide.
Skill Up Artisan Super Programme to Train 100,000 Artisans
In related news, the federal government has also launched the Skill Up Artisan Super programme, which aims to train over 100,000 artisans across Nigeria with internationally recognized skills. The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) is spearheading this initiative to raise standards and eliminate subpar practices in various trades.
Mr. Afiz Ogun, Director-General of ITF, reiterated the government’s dedication to improving artisan skills during the inauguration of the South-West Secretariat of the Association of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT) in Akure.
