By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
PRESIDENT BOLA Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering Nigerian youths with world-class skills that will enable them to compete effectively on the global stage.
Speaking at the official launch of the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, described the initiative as a strategic response to unemployment, poverty, and other critical challenges hindering national progress.
With Nigeria’s median age standing at just 17 years, the nation remains one of the youngest in the world. The President emphasised that this demographic reality underscores the need to equip young Nigerians with the necessary tools to excel in an increasingly competitive global environment.
“Through world-class training in digital literacy, technical skills, entrepreneurship, and the creative industries, we will ensure that our youth are equipped to compete on the global stage,” Tinubu said.
NiYA is designed to focus on three key pillars: education and skills development, economic empowerment, and leadership and civic engagement.
The initiative will also leverage existing programmes such as the Youth Investment Fund and the Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters, which will provide financial support, mentorship, and resources to young entrepreneurs.
Furthermore, the establishment of a National Youth Development Bank is set to provide access to capital for budding business owners.
President Tinubu highlighted that NiYA is a bold and ambitious response to Nigeria’s low Human Capital Index ranking and the widespread issue of youth unemployment.
He assured that within two years, the academy will train and empower millions of young Nigerians, equipping them with skills, knowledge, and opportunities to compete globally.
“This is not just an investment in their future; it is an investment in the future of our nation,” he stated.
The President acknowledged the persistent challenges of learning poverty and youth unemployment, stressing that these barriers have hindered national progress for too long.
He assured Nigerians that his administration is committed to bridging these gaps through innovative learning and skills development initiatives.
“The Nigerian Youth Academy will nurture the next generation of leaders, training them in governance, policy-making, and community development.
We believe that the success of this initiative rests not in Abuja alone but in the communities where real change is felt,” he added.
Minister for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, praised the initiative, stating that NiYA will equip young Nigerians with marketable skills that directly address gaps in the job market.
“The President promised to create a platform where Nigerian youths can achieve their dreams. Many young people aspire to have good jobs and live better lives. NiYA is designed to bridge the skill gap and create economic opportunities,” Olawande said.
The Minister encouraged young Nigerians to seize the opportunity, emphasising that NiYA is open to all, regardless of background or location.
“This initiative is for every Nigerian youth. NiYA represents the determination of Mr. President to help all youths build a better future and create opportunities for themselves and their families,” he added.
In a show of commitment, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, congratulated the first set of beneficiaries of NiYA, presenting N1 million each to six young Nigerians—one from each geopolitical zone—as a startup grant to help them launch their enterprises.
Mr. Edun emphasised that NiYA aligns with President Tinubu’s vision of youth empowerment, directly addressing the aspirations of over 60 million Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 35 both within and beyond the country’s borders.
“We know that skills, not just certificates, are the real currency of today’s global digital economy.
That is why NiYA is so important. It is more than a learning platform—it is a launchpad for a new generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs, creators, professionals, and founders who can connect with the world using digital tools,” he stated.
