AI platform unlocks opportunities for young Nigerians

A new AI-powered platform, YouthDesk.ai, aims to improve access to job, scholarship, grant, internship and skills-development opportunities for young Nigerians. Founded by Alabi Opeyemi, a Senior Special Assistant on Youth Mobilisation to Lagos State Governor, the platform consolidates various youth-focused resources into a single digital hub. AI Padi, an AI-powered assistant, provides personalised guidance to users navigating available opportunities and resources.

YouthDesk.ai includes an Opportunity Hub that aggregates job, scholarship, internship, grant, fellowship and training program listings to connect users with opportunities. The platform also facilitates collaboration between young people, grassroots leaders, private-sector organisations, government agencies, NGOs and development partners.

The platform was created in response to the challenges many young Nigerians face in discovering reliable information about opportunities, especially those without access to formal networks and resources. Opeyemi, the platform’s founder, said it was inspired by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s emphasis on youth development, empowerment and innovation.

YouthDesk.ai partners with businesses, government agencies and development organisations to facilitate pathways for employment, entrepreneurship, training, mentorship, scholarships and capacity building. The initiative aims to reach young people in rural areas where information about opportunities can be limited due to location and weak digital or institutional networks.

The platform will be unveiled on 3 September, where youth leaders, government representatives, businesses, NGOs and other stakeholders can explore potential partnerships.