The National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), South-East, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, MBBS, PhD, has urged Nigerian youths to take advantage of the numerous skills-development, employment, education-financing and entrepreneurship programmes established by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Dr. Arodiogbu said the Federal Government has created several pathways designed to help young Nigerians acquire relevant skills, access funding, secure employment and build sustainable careers, stressing that the greatest challenge facing some prospective beneficiaries is a lack of awareness about programmes already available to them.

According to him, the Renewed Hope Agenda is not only about large-scale infrastructure and economic reforms but also about creating opportunities through which young Nigerians can participate directly in the nation’s economic transformation.

He therefore encouraged youths across the South-East and Nigeria at large to actively seek information, register for eligible programmes and acquire skills that can position them for the emerging opportunities in the digital, technical, creative and entrepreneurial economy.

“Our young people must know that opportunities are being created for them. The government is investing in skills, education, digital work, entrepreneurship and employment. We must ensure that no young Nigerian misses an opportunity simply because he or she did not know it existed,” Dr. Arodiogbu said.

Dr. Arodiogbu highlighted seven programmes and opportunities that young Nigerians should investigate, subject to eligibility requirements and the availability of current application windows.

1. TVET — BUILDING A SKILLED WORKFORCE

The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme provides pathways for Nigerians to acquire practical and market-relevant technical skills.

Dr. Arodiogbu said vocational and technical education should no longer be regarded as a second choice, noting that electricians, plumbers, welders, mechanics, fabricators, ICT technicians and other skilled professionals are essential to Nigeria’s industrial and economic development.

Eligible trainees may also benefit from financial support under applicable government schemes with a monthly stipend of ₦45,000 for eligible participants under the TVET initiatives, subject to programme guidelines. He urged young Nigerians to explore accredited training opportunities and acquire skills capable of generating income locally and internationally.

2. NiYA GIG DIGITAL WORK PLATFORM

The NiYA Gig Digital Work Platform is another avenue young Nigerians can explore in the growing digital economy.

According to Dr. Arodiogbu, the expansion of digital work has created opportunities for Nigerians to provide services beyond their immediate geographical locations.

Young people with skills in writing, graphic design, programming, digital marketing, video editing, data-related services and other areas can increasingly participate in the global freelance economy.

He urged youths to see digital skills as economic assets capable of creating employment for themselves and others.

3. NELFUND STUDENT LOAN

Dr. Arodiogbu also highlighted the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as an important intervention for students who require financial support to pursue tertiary education.

He said the programme could help reduce the financial barriers that prevent young Nigerians from completing higher education.

“Education remains one of the most powerful investments any nation can make in its young people. No qualified Nigerian should abandon education simply because of temporary financial difficulties when legitimate financing opportunities are available,” he said.

4. NIGERIA JUBILEE FELLOWS PROGRAMME

The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) provides young graduates with opportunities to gain practical workplace experience through structured placements.

Dr. Arodiogbu said programmes of this nature are particularly important because many graduates face the challenge of requiring work experience before securing their first significant employment opportunity.

NJFP connect young graduates with organisations and professional environments, fellowship and placement programmes can help participants develop workplace competence, professional networks and practical experience.

He encouraged graduates to monitor official government channels for announcements concerning application windows and eligibility.

5. LEEP — LABOUR EMPLOYMENT AND EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME

The Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP) is another intervention highlighted by Dr. Arodiogbu.

The programme focuses on employment and empowerment opportunities, including digital skills, vocational training and pathways into remote work.

The APC National Vice Chairman said the future of employment is changing rapidly, making it essential for young Nigerians to acquire skills that allow them to work not only within traditional office environments but also remotely and across international markets.

He said government interventions that connect Nigerians to modern labour-market opportunities should be embraced by young people willing to learn and work.

6. 3MTT — PREPARING NIGERIANS FOR THE DIGITAL ECONOMY

Dr. Arodiogbu further encouraged youths to explore the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, which is aimed at developing Nigeria’s technical talent pipeline.

The programme has focused on areas including artificial intelligence, software development, data-related skills, cybersecurity, cloud computing and other technology fields.

According to him, Nigeria’s young population gives the country a significant advantage in the global digital economy if properly equipped with relevant skills.

“The world is moving rapidly into an economy driven by technology, innovation and digital services. Our young people must not merely consume technology; they must learn to create, develop and export technology,” he said.

7. SMEDAN CREATIVE AND GARMENT STUDIOS

Dr. Arodiogbu also identified opportunities connected with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), particularly programmes supporting creative and garment-sector entrepreneurs.

Young designers, tailors, fashion entrepreneurs and other creatives can benefit from training, enterprise development support and opportunities designed to strengthen participation in Nigeria’s creative economy.

He said the fashion and creative industries possess enormous potential for employment generation, wealth creation and international visibility for Nigerian talent.

While highlighting the opportunities, Dr. Arodiogbu cautioned that government programmes can only achieve their objectives when eligible citizens actively participate. He therefore urged young Nigerians to move beyond social-media discussions and actively seek verified information about available programmes.

He also advised prospective beneficiaries to use official government platforms and channels when applying for programmes to avoid fraudsters who exploit the popularity of government interventions.

The APC National Vice Chairman said the youth remain central to Nigeria’s future and must therefore be positioned to benefit from the economic opportunities emerging from the Federal Government’s reforms.

He said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu understands that sustainable development requires more than government employment, adding that young Nigerians need skills, access to finance, entrepreneurship opportunities and links to productive markets.

According to him, the objective should be to build a generation of young Nigerians who are employable, entrepreneurial, technologically equipped and capable of creating opportunities for others.

“Our message to Nigerian youths is simple: do not wait for opportunities to come to your doorstep. Look for them, acquire the required skills, apply through legitimate channels and position yourself for success,” he stated.