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The Federal Government has said it is strengthening partnerships with relevant local and international organisations to equip Nigerian youths with skills that can prepare them for the changing demands of the global job market.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, disclosed this, stressing that the government is focused on creating more opportunities for young Nigerians to gain practical and marketable skills that can improve their chances of securing decent employment or building sustainable businesses.
According to the minister, the Federal Government is working with organisations including the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) as part of efforts to expand youth development programmes across the country.
Olawande said the collaboration is aimed at ensuring that young people are not left behind as technology, digital innovation and other developments continue to reshape the workplace. He noted that having access to the right skills would give youths a better opportunity to compete not only within Nigeria but also in the wider international labour market.
The minister also emphasised the importance of moving beyond programmes that provide temporary support for young people, arguing that sustainable youth development requires investment in skills, entrepreneurship, innovation and other areas capable of creating long-term economic opportunities.
With Nigeria’s youthful population making up a significant part of the country’s future workforce, the minister said greater attention must be given to preparing young Nigerians for the realities of the 21st-century economy.
He added that partnerships with international development organisations would help strengthen existing efforts and provide young people with access to training, knowledge and opportunities that could translate into employment and entrepreneurship.
The Federal Government’s position comes amid growing calls for more practical solutions to youth unemployment and underemployment in Nigeria, with stakeholders increasingly advocating for skills development that matches the needs of employers and the rapidly evolving global economy.
