Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on digital education and skills development, aimed at strengthening youth participation in the global digital economy.
At the signing ceremony held in Dubai, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development represented Nigeria, while the UAE Digital School under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) signed for the UAE.
The agreement will expand access to digital education and practical skill development for Nigerian youth through the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), leveraging the UAE Digital School’s expertise and infrastructure to promote inclusive, tech-driven learning.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described the partnership as a major milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey. “What we celebrate today goes beyond Nigeria. It stands as a symbol of shared responsibility, shared progress, and shared hope for the youth of both nations,” he said.
The UAE Digital School, led by Dr. Waleed Al Ali, is one of MBRGI’s flagship initiatives focused on delivering digital learning opportunities to underserved communities worldwide.
Olawande also commended the ministry’s technical partner, Sapphital Limited, for its role in advancing the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) and other digital empowerment projects.
The collaboration, first initiated in July 2025, is expected to accelerate Nigeria’s digital economy agenda by providing young Nigerians with essential tools, training, and opportunities to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
