The Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila SPIbrahim, revealed that the National Youth Skills Programme (NYSP) is set to benefit one million young people in its first year.
The announcement was made during the 2024 World Youth Skills Day celebration, themed “Youth Skills for Peace and Development,” with a sub-theme, “Upskilling Youth for Peace, Skill Up Youth for Development.”
Ibrahim highlighted the UN General Assembly’s call for member states to commemorate World Youth Skills Day on July 15. She emphasized the event’s role in recognizing the importance of equipping youth with skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Ibrahim stated that the ministry’s efforts aim to support job creation and reduce unemployment. She also announced an increase in the Youth Investment Fund from N72 billion to N110 billion, enhancing project funding.
The minister urged youths to develop their talents, leveraging government investments to avoid negative behaviors.
In support of these initiatives, Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, detailed plans to ensure seven million Nigerian youths acquire at least two skills within two years.
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The Nigeria Youth Academy Programme, with 60,000 initial beneficiaries, aims to test-run this approach before full implementation.
Additionally, Mr. Adaramodu Adeyemi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth, endorsed the skill development initiative, emphasizing the need to empower the country’s youth, who constitute 60% of the population.
Guest speaker Mr. Kashim Ali, a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, encouraged public engagement in skill acquisition, regardless of age or qualification, highlighting that it’s never too late to learn.
