ABUJA, Nigeria — The Federal Government has equipped 239,726 Nigerian youths with digital, employability, and practical skills through the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande announced on Wednesday.

Olawande made the disclosure in Abuja during the commemoration of the 2026 International Youth Day, themed “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.” He stated that the initiative aims to equip young Nigerians with relevant skills, broaden access to economic opportunities, and establish pathways for employment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods.

“Through NiYA, we are equipping our young people with the practical skills they need to navigate the changing world of work and take advantage of emerging opportunities,” the minister said.

He further revealed that 1,215,203 certificates have been downloaded from the NiYA platform, which he described as evidence of growing engagement by young Nigerians with the learning and development opportunities offered.

The minister highlighted that the increasing number of certificate downloads demonstrates the determination of Nigerian youths to acquire new skills and enhance their employability.

Additionally, Olawande disclosed that 200 young business owners received N1 million each under the NiYA StartUp initiative. Another 200 individuals operating in the informal sector were granted N500,000 each to strengthen their businesses.

The ministry's partnership with Cascador Founders will provide further support to selected young entrepreneurs on the NiYA platform, offering access to capital, business development assistance, and enterprise growth opportunities.

“Our commitment is to ensure that young Nigerians do not only acquire skills but also have access to the opportunities and support they need to turn their ideas into sustainable businesses,” Olawande added.

These initiatives are part of the federal government's broader strategy to position young Nigerians as active participants in national development and ensure that skills acquisition translates into tangible economic outcomes.

Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, called for sustained investment in youth development. She commended the resilience, creativity, and resourcefulness of Nigerian youths.

Keshinro urged stronger collaboration among government institutions, development partners, the private sector, and youth-led organizations. She emphasized that such collaboration is crucial for expanding opportunities for young Nigerians and ensuring that youth-focused interventions are inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to evolving needs.

Brigadier General [Name], Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, represented by Chief Chienwedu Chukwu, reaffirmed the scheme's commitment to initiatives that equip young Nigerians with relevant skills and prepare them for meaningful contributions to national development.

Sandra Vermuijten, Head of Programme at GIZ Centres for Migration and Nigerian Diaspora Matters, stressed the importance of strategic partnerships in creating sustainable opportunities for young people, particularly in skills development, employment, and migration-related interventions.

In his welcome address, CDS President Okpalaji Cheta Byron appreciated the ministry and other stakeholders for providing platforms that promote youth empowerment, inclusion, and participation. He stated that meaningful youth engagement remains critical to Nigeria’s development.