BOI, Sapphital, ministry to deliver skills training to 500 Nigerians

The Bank of Industry (BOI) has joined forces with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to launch the BOI Youth Empowerment Pilot Programme. The initiative aims to deliver free vocational and entrepreneurial training to 500 young Nigerians. Sapphital, a Pan-African digital learning and technology company based in Abuja, Nigeria, will be responsible for delivering the programme.

Sapphital specializes in AI-powered Learning Management Systems, e-learning, and custom software solutions. Through the programme, participants will acquire practical skills and knowledge to enhance their skill development, enterprise development, entrepreneurship, and future employment prospects. The pilot will be conducted at the Nigerian Youth Academy, where participants will complete short, instructor-led video courses.

The courses selected for the programme were chosen based on their income-generation potential and market demand.

Training will encompass creative and artisan skills, production and manufacturing skills, as well as digital skills. Participants will also receive mentorship, practical exposure, and enterprise support opportunities. Speaking at the launch, Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, emphasized the administration's commitment to youth empowerment and training, stating that a nation succeeds when its young population is globally competitive.

Dr. Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the BOI, highlighted that young Nigerians are the country's greatest economic asset and that the Bank of Industry is committed to providing them with the tools required to build a brighter future. The pilot programme aims to connect young people to skills, mentorship, and real opportunities to start and sustain businesses. Oluseni plans to scale the model across Nigeria to reach more young people in support of the Renewed Hope Agenda.