President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), an initiative that has the goal of addressing unemployment and poverty while providing basic necessities to strengthen young Nigerians with essential skills for global competitiveness.
Speaking at the official launch at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday, President Tinubu-represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima said Nigeria, with a median age of 17, has one of the youngest populations in the world.
“Our success as a nation depends on ensuring that every Nigerian child is prepared for the evolving global landscape,” Tinubu said.
He said NiYA will focus on three key areas, education and skills development, leadership and civic engagement and economic empowerment.
The president made it clear that NiYA is a strategic response to Nigeria’s low ranking in human capital development, tenacious unemployment, and other socio-economic challenges. He assured that within two years, the academy will train and empower millions of Nigerian youths, equipping them with the skills and opportunities necessary to advance and succeed.
Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described the initiative as a major step toward bridging the skills gap in the job market.
“The president has promised Nigerian youths a platform to realise their dreams. Many young Nigerians aspire to secure good jobs and improve their quality of life."