The Federal Government is renewing its focus on youth-led development, building on achievements under the Renewed Hope Agenda. Led by Hon. Ayodele Olawande, the Ministry of Youth Development has highlighted major milestones from 2025 and outlined initiatives slated for expansion this year.
The Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) has become a cornerstone of digital empowerment, taking youths from basic digital literacy to practical skills that drive real-world productivity. In 2025, over 300,000 youths enrolled in NiYA’s structured programs; more than 63,000 completed training; and the Academy’s online platform now hosts 58 courses with 26,000 active users connecting to opportunities through NiYA Gigs, a marketplace linking skilled youths to freelance and on-site work nationwide.
Recognizing that skills alone are insufficient, the Ministry also strengthened entrepreneurship support. Through initiatives like Pitch 1.0 and 2.0, hundreds of tech startups and informal businesses received funding, while the Corpreneur Support Scheme empowered 1,000 NYSC members with grants and tools to launch businesses. These programs have produced functional, youth-led enterprises across Nigeria.
On the digital frontier, the Youth Data Protection Programme (YDPAT) is equipping young Nigerians with cybersecurity knowledge and data literacy to compete globally. The program has registered over 59,000 youths, offering virtual learning, advanced coaching for top performers, and internship placements with partner organizations.
To enhance youth engagement and welfare, the Nigerian Youth HelpDesk was institutionalized, addressing health, legal, and social concerns. Since its launch, the HelpDesk has logged more than 5,000 interactions, successfully resolved over 50 police-related cases, and introduced a WhatsApp-based chatbot in November 2025 for real-time assistance.
Access to education remains a priority through the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which disbursed over ₦161 billion in 2025 to cover institutional fees and student allowances, removing financial barriers and enabling more youths to pursue higher education.
These initiatives reflect the Federal Government’s commitment to equipping Nigeria’s youth with the skills, resources, and support needed to drive national development and thrive in an increasingly digital and entrepreneurial economy.
