The federal government has launched a nationwide skills empowerment initiative aimed at empowering young Nigerians with digital and technical skills that can boost employability and foster entrepreneurship. The program, rolled out under the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS), is being led by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education (OSSAP-TVEE).
This initiative offers practical training in high-demand sectors, including web development, cyber security, and solar installation—industries that are rapidly expanding and essential to Nigeria’s digital and energy future. By focusing on market-relevant skills, the program aims to produce a new generation of tech-savvy professionals who can thrive in both local and global economies.
Beyond the classroom, participants will be equipped with essential tools such as laptops, tablets, and other digital devices. These tools are not just meant for training but are designed to help beneficiaries immediately transition into the workforce or begin their own ventures after the program.
Speaking on the launch, officials emphasized that the program is a strategic intervention under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s goal of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty by the year 2030. The NPRGS is focused on scalable, long-term solutions that prioritize empowerment over aid, and technical capacity over dependency.
“This isn’t just about skills training—it’s about building a workforce for the future. We’re preparing young Nigerians to take advantage of emerging opportunities, to innovate, and to lead in sectors that will shape the nation’s economy in the coming years,” said an OSSAP-TVEE representative.
The program will be delivered across multiple states and targets underserved communities where unemployment and poverty levels remain high. It is also expected to support inclusive growth by bridging the digital divide and giving marginalized youth the tools to compete in the modern economy.
As implementation begins, the NPRGS will work in partnership with training institutes, tech hubs, and private sector players to ensure high-quality delivery and sustainable outcomes. The initiative also aligns with broader national goals on education, job creation, and the development of a knowledge-driven economy.
With this new push, the government hopes to not only reduce poverty but to unlock the entrepreneurial and innovative potential of Nigerian youth—setting the foundation for a more productive, resilient, and self-sufficient society.
