The Federal Ministry of Youth Development (FMYD), in partnership with the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), is introducing the National Youth Internship Programme (NYIP) to equip young Nigerians with industry-relevant skills, enhance employability, and reduce unemployment.
With a strong focus on practical, on-the-job training, the programme will deploy 3,000 interns each to the energy and ICT sectors in its pilot phase. These placements will be structured to ensure skill acquisition and career growth, with participants undergoing mentorship from experienced professionals. While the program primarily targets recent NYSC graduates, it will also accommodate artisans and undergraduates through an unskilled internship track that aligns with industry needs.
To support interns, the government has committed to providing stipends, with an option for industry partners to supplement funding. The selection process will be competitive and merit-based, ensuring that candidates with the potential to succeed in their fields are given priority. The initiative aims not only to bridge the skills gap in key sectors but also to increase the likelihood of participants securing long-term employment after the internship.
A key feature of the NYIP is the establishment of a N1.5 billion Post-Internship Innovation Fund to support outstanding interns in developing innovative solutions or launching businesses based on the expertise they gain. This funding is expected to encourage entrepreneurship and drive economic growth by enabling young professionals to translate their training into real-world applications.
Beyond job placement, the NYIP is positioned as a long-term strategy to address youth unemployment by creating a structured talent pipeline for industries in need of skilled professionals. The program also underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a more competitive workforce, ensuring that young Nigerians are not just employable but also capable of contributing to national development through innovation and enterprise.
The NYIP will be officially launched by the President in April 2025, marking a milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen youth empowerment and workforce development.
