Empowering Nigeria’s Youth: Pathway to sustainable enterprise, job creation

As Nigeria’s youth unemployment crisis reaches staggering heights, the search for effective solutions has become more urgent than ever.

The primary contributors to this crisis include inadequate skills training, incomplete formal education, and a lack of informal skills essential for securing employment or embarking on entrepreneurial ventures.

Addressing these barriers head-on, a second phase of an initiative implemented by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), funded by the British Council and supported by King’s Trust Internation aims to turn the tide for Nigeria’s youth.

To equip young individuals with the tools necessary for success, CITAD embarks on a comprehensive entrepreneurship program focused on fostering both technical and soft skills. This structured training will provide participants with a wide-ranging understanding of various business dynamics, empowering them to transition smoothly into the business and labour markets.

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Building on their previous success, where 60 youths were trained in the first phase of the project, CITAD sets out to train an additional 70 youths in Kano, targeting young people aged 18 to 25, with extended provisions for individuals up to 35. Notably, the initiative places significant emphasis on women and persons living with disabilities (PLWD), ensuring inclusivity in the training process.

The training program held in Kano on Saturday encompasses critical areas including digital entrepreneurship, ICT skills, and marketing, along with essential soft skills that bolster employability and entrepreneurial capacity. By focusing on digital entrepreneurship, participants will learn to navigate the digital landscape, creating and sustaining their businesses within the rapidly evolving online marketplace.

Moreover, the integration of basic ICT training will empower young entrepreneurs to leverage modern tools and technologies, enhancing their business operations and overall productivity. With these skills, participants will be better positioned to build resilient supply chains capable of withstanding market fluctuations and unforeseen challenges.

The sustainable enterprise challenge programme not only aims to transform unemployed youth into employable individuals and successful entrepreneurs but also seeks to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth. By fostering the establishment of new enterprises, this program promises to generate job opportunities, ultimately alleviating the burden of unemployment in the region.

The British Council and King’s Trust International’s ongoing support for CITAD highlights a collaborative effort to nurture a generation of resilient and capable business leaders. As the nation grapples with the reality of youth unemployment, initiatives like these serve as a beacon of hope, enabling young Nigerians to take charge of their futures, become self-reliant, and contribute meaningfully to society. With the right skills and support, the youth of Nigeria can emerge as the architects of their own destinies, fostering a prosperous tomorrow for themselves and their communities. Through these training programmes, Nigeria’s youth will unlock their potential, driving innovation and economic development across the country.