The Federal Government has launched a new national skills programme aimed at connecting 20 million young Nigerians to jobs, training, and entrepreneurship opportunities by 2030, with at least 60 per cent of beneficiaries expected to be women.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who has assumed the chairmanship of the reactivated Generation Unlimited (GenU) Nigeria Board, disclosed this during the board’s inaugural meeting, which coincided with International Youth Day 2025 themed “Youth Innovation for a Sustainable Future.”
Shettima described Nigeria’s youth population as the country’s “superpower” and comparative advantage in a rapidly ageing world, noting that over 60 per cent of Nigerians are under the age of 25.
“We cannot afford to squander this asset. An advantage unrealised is merely potential wasted. We must refine it, invest in it, and channel it towards productive destinies,” he said.
The Vice President warned that the country’s national skills ecosystem faces a “trilemma” widespread youth exclusion, training disconnected from actual jobs, and inadequate infrastructure for large-scale hands-on learning.
He stressed the need for systemic change rather than “another isolated training scheme,” unveiling the Digital Access and Livelihoods Initiative (DALI) as the centrepiece of the plan.
The initiative will serve as a demand-driven national talent pipeline, linking foundational and work-readiness training directly to guaranteed employment or entrepreneurship opportunities.