The federal government has approved N120 billion to commence skills acquisition training for youths across the country.
Speaking at the Adolescent and Youth Ministerial Dialogue on Wellbeing, Health, and Development in Abuja yesterday, the minister of state for education, represented by Professor Ali Idris from the Ministry of Education, said the initiative is targeted at vulnerable youth, including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS) across the geopolitical zones.
The two-day ministerial dialogue, on the theme: “From Words to Action,” supported by Plan International Nigeria, UNESCO, and the International Federation of Red Cross, aims to ensure inclusive policymaking and amplify the voices of adolescents and youths in national development efforts.
He said, “If you have a registered company capable of training at least 60,000 people within three months, the Ministry will pay that company. Likewise, individuals who undergo training will receive a starter pack upon completion.”
According to the minister, the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and is expected to provide sustainable youth employment and empowerment opportunities.
He emphasised the government’s intention to involve youths in decision-making. He noted that a stakeholders’ meeting will soon be convened to allow young people to voice their priorities and co-create actionable plans.
“This programme is not being done in isolation. We are working with the youth to identify the areas they consider most critical. Once stakeholders meet, we will move to implementation,” he added.
The minister also spoke about economic realities: “Many companies are leaving the country, and not everyone will secure government jobs. The best alternative is for young people to acquire relevant skills that will make them employable—locally or internationally.”
In addition to skills acquisition, the government is tackling the issue of out-of-school children. “There are over 10 million out-of-school children in Nigeria. To address this, we’ve introduced the Lumina Programme, targeting hard-to-reach areas, especially girls. The programme aims to provide literacy and numeracy education,” he explained.
He noted that the programme will commence in the next one to two months, and registration has already begun online. Companies qualified to provide vocational training in solar technology, baking, and other trades are encouraged to register through the open portal. The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) will provide certification.
Also speaking at the event, Jonathan Abakpa, Advocacy League programme officer for Plan International Nigeria, highlighted the increasing involvement of young people in shaping national conversations about their future.
Abakpa recalled that two years ago, the minister of health and other stakeholders endorsed the Adolescent Living Healthy and Tribal Nigeria Framework for West and Central Africa.
“The last conference led to the creation of the Adolescent and Young People’s Roadmap, which guides policy and intervention. This year’s inter-ministerial dialogue allows youth to engage directly with ministers and demand implementation of their priorities,” Abakba said.
He stressed that youth-led advocacy has begun to yield results, citing increased budget allocations for education and health. However, he noted that persistent challenges—including out-of-school children, teenage pregnancies, and early marriages still require urgent action.
The deputy speaker of the Nigerian Children’s Parliament, Ibrahim Zanna Sunnoma, urged the government to move from commitments to action.
“There are many laws and policies already in place. What we need now is implementation. Words are just air in motion; action must be our foundation,” he said.
Sunnoma criticised the neglect of vulnerable children, particularly in northern Nigeria, where Almajiri children still roam the streets in dire conditions.
“I urge the government to prioritise children on the streets, especially Almajiri children. Strengthen the Almajiri system, integrate western education, and provide shelter, food, and a sustainable livelihood,” he added.
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