FG to Train 1,200 Young Nigerians in New Skills

(Abiola Arogundade. Photo by Leadership News)

The Federal Government plans to train 1,200 young Nigerians across the country in graphics, artificial intelligence design, makeup and fashion designing.

Abiola Arogundade, the presidential aide overseeing technical and vocational training, announced the initiative, which will enlist state governments, community leaders, traditional rulers and private companies as partners.

Two hundred trainees will come from each of Nigeria's six geopolitical zones for training sessions lasting ten to fourteen days.

Arogundade described the programme as core to the Renewed Hope Agenda, demonstrating that the government views young people as assets rather than problems.

The effort supports a wider poverty-reduction strategy aimed at lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty over ten years.

The government previously ran a pilot version in Abuja starting June 30, 2025, training 7,000 youths in cybersecurity, web development and solar installation.

Graduates received laptops and certificates. Many arrived uncertain but left with practical, usable skills and had built their first websites.

Building on that success, the programme is now rolling out nationwide with skills chosen based on what each region needs.

Oyo State in the southwest begins training on September 28, 2026, with courses in graphics and AI design, makeup and fashion work.

Each participant will receive full equipment to take home.

Graphics trainees get laptops, makeup trainees receive complete kits, fashion trainees get sewing machines and starter materials, and agriculture trainees receive fermentation kits for yogurt making.

The core goals are giving young people marketable skills, cutting joblessness, encouraging self-employment and supporting the national poverty reduction target.

Arogundade is calling on state officials, traditional authorities, community leaders and businesses to join the effort as it expands to more states.