Vice President Shettima Unveils $220 Million Initiative to Empower Nigerian Youths

Vice President Shettima Unveils $220 Million Initiative to Empower Nigerian Youths

The Federal Government has announced a new $220 million youth empowerment programme aimed at creating thousands of jobs and boosting skill development among young Nigerians.

Vice President Kashim Shettima unveiled the initiative on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during the official launch of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0.

The programme, jointly implemented by the Federal Government, the European Union (EU), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), seeks to provide work experience, mentorship, and professional training for Nigerian graduates.

Bridging the Gap Between Education and Employment

According to Vice President Shettima, NJFP 2.0 is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world job opportunities for skilled but unemployed graduates.

“Our goal is to raise $220 million, not as charity, but as an investment in our most valuable resource — our young people,” he said, emphasizing that the initiative is central to the Tinubu administration’s economic renewal plan.

The programme will be integrated into the national planning and budgeting framework, ensuring sustainability and long-term impact.

Focus on Inclusivity and Key Growth Sectors

Shettima stressed that inclusivity is at the heart of the new phase, ensuring youth participation across all regions, genders, and social groups.

Key target sectors include:

Agriculture
Renewable Energy
Digital Technology
Manufacturing
Creative Industries

These areas were identified as priority growth engines capable of driving innovation and creating sustainable employment opportunities.

Track Record and Future Targets

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, revealed that since its inception in 2021, the NJFP has empowered over 13,000 Nigerian youths through training, internships, and job placements.

With this new phase, the programme aims to generate 100,000 employment opportunities within five years, equipping participants with the skills required to thrive in both public and private sectors.

Global Partners Reaffirm Support

UNDP Resident Representative Elsie Attafuah and EU Ambassador to Nigeria Gauthier Mignot reiterated their commitment to supporting the NJFP 2.0, pledging to strengthen government collaboration and ensure sustainable funding.

They commended the Nigerian government for prioritizing youth inclusion and reaffirmed the international community’s confidence in Nigeria’s potential for economic transformation through youth-led innovation.

Conclusion

The launch of NJFP 2.0 reflects Nigeria’s growing focus on human capital development and innovation-driven job creation. With $220 million targeted toward empowering young Nigerians, the government aims to unlock the nation’s full potential — one graduate at a time.