Posted on the Youth Activities Dashboard – Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives (Monitoring and Delivery)
Date: March 24, 2025
Location: Council Chambers, Presidential Villa, Abuja
In a landmark move to harness the potential of Nigeria’s vibrant youth population, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially launched the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) on March 24, 2025, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President emphasized the administration’s commitment to equipping Nigerian youths with the necessary skills to thrive in the global economy.
NiYA’s Core Focus Areas:
- Education and Skills Development: Providing world-class training in digital literacy, technical skills, entrepreneurship, and the creative industries to ensure youths are globally competitive.
- Economic Empowerment: Initiatives like the Youth Investment Fund and the Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters will offer financial support, mentorship, and resources to budding entrepreneurs. Additionally, the establishment of a National Youth Development Bank aims to provide access to capital for young innovators.
- Leadership and Civic Engagement: Nurturing the next generation of leaders through training in governance, policy-making, and community development.
Vision and Impact:
- Training 7 Million Youths: Over the next two years, NiYA aims to train and empower millions of young Nigerians, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to compete globally.
- Job Creation: The initiative is projected to generate 5 million jobs within the next three years, addressing unemployment and boosting the nation’s economy.
- Bridging Skill Gaps: By focusing on practical skills, NiYA seeks to bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring youths are job-ready.
Empowerment Through Cash Grants:
As part of the launch, six youths representing Nigeria’s six geo-political zones received ₦1 million each as startup capital. This gesture underscores the government’s dedication to supporting young entrepreneurs and fostering economic growth at the grassroots level.
Nationwide Reach:
NiYA’s digital platform ensures inclusivity, allowing youths from all regions to access training and resources. Through partnerships with institutions, corporate bodies, and development organizations, NiYA is set to become a hub for inspiration, transformation, and limitless possibilities.
Get Involved:
Youth across Nigeria are encouraged to seize this opportunity to acquire new skills, connect with mentors, and embark on a journey toward personal and national development.
“To invest in the Nigerian youth is to invest in the very soul of the nation, acknowledging their capacity to innovate, lead, and redefine the future trajectory of our great country.”
— Ayodele Olawande, Honourable Minister for Youth Development
For more information and to join the NiYA community, visit niya.ng.
