“We are equipping our young people with the skills to compete and thrive on the global stage.” – President Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering Nigerian youths with world-class skills in digital literacy, technical expertise, entrepreneurship, and the creative industries.
Speaking at the official launch of the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) on Monday in Abuja, Tinubu described the initiative as a bold response to unemployment, poverty, and other challenges hindering national progress. Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, he emphasized that a nation’s success is defined by how well it prepares its young population for the future.
Nigeria’s Youth: A Powerful Asset for the Future
With a median age of 17, Nigeria boasts one of the youngest populations in the world. As the country is projected to become the third-largest nation by 2050, with the majority of its citizens under 21 years old, investing in youth development is not just necessary—it is urgent.
NiYA is set to focus on three critical pillars:
Education & Skills Development
Economic Empowerment
Leadership & Civic Engagement
Through these pillars, millions of young Nigerians will be trained over the next two years, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to thrive in the global economy.
A Platform for Growth & Innovation
According to President Tinubu, NiYA will provide structured pathways for youth empowerment, including:
The Youth Investment Fund – Offering financial support, mentorship, and resources for young entrepreneurs.
The Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters – Enabling Nigerian youths to establish and scale their businesses.
The National Youth Development Bank – Facilitating access to capital for innovative and scalable ventures.
“This is not just an investment in their future; it is an investment in the future of our nation,” Tinubu declared.
Addressing Barriers to Progress
Despite Nigeria’s immense potential, challenges such as youth unemployment, learning poverty, and limited access to structured skills training persist. Tinubu acknowledged these issues, stating that NiYA is the government’s commitment to changing the narrative by ensuring that skills—not just certificates—become the real currency of today’s digital economy.
“The Nigerian Youth Academy will nurture the next generation of leaders, equipping them with governance, policy-making, and community development skills. Real change happens not just in Abuja but in communities across Nigeria,” he emphasized.
A Call to Action for Nigerian Youths
Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, urged young Nigerians to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop marketable skills and take control of their future.
“The President made a promise to provide Nigerian youths with a platform to achieve their dreams. NiYA represents his determination to ensure that every young Nigerian has the skills needed to secure a better future,” he stated.
Initial Beneficiaries & Financial Support
To kickstart the initiative, six young Nigerians—representing the six geopolitical zones—received ₦1 million each as a start-up package to implement their entrepreneurial projects.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, described NiYA as a game-changer, addressing the aspirations of over 60 million young Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora.
“With NiYA, Nigerian youths won’t just be job seekers—they will become entrepreneurs, creators, and global professionals who can thrive from anywhere in the world.”
As the program unfolds, NiYA is expected to reshape the Nigerian workforce, providing the tools needed for young people to not only compete globally but to lead in innovation and economic transformation.
