FG trains 239,726 Nigerians through youth academy

The Federal Government has trained 239,726 Nigerian youths through the Nigerian Youth Academy, according to Youth Development Minister Ayodele Olawande. The minister made the announcement at the commemoration of the 2026 International Youth Day in Abuja, under the theme "Different Contexts, Common Aspirations." The NiYA initiative aims to equip young Nigerians with digital, employability, and practical skills, enabling them to seize emerging economic opportunities.

Olawande revealed that 1,215,203 certificates had been downloaded from the NiYA platform, highlighting the increasing interest of young Nigerians in acquiring new skills. Additionally, 200 young business owners and 200 individuals in the informal sector received financial support to strengthen their ventures. The ministry is also partnering with Cascador Founders to provide further assistance to selected young entrepreneurs, including access to capital and business development support.

The initiative is part of the government's broader strategy to position young Nigerians as active contributors to national development and ensure that skills acquisition translates into tangible economic benefits.