President Bola Tinubu has revealed that the Federal Government is already consolidating efforts to train at least seven million young Nigerians with digital and professional skills, with the aim of expanding job opportunities.
He made this known, while declaring the Strategic Youth Leadership Conference 2025, jointly organised by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and National Defense College, opened in Abuja.
President Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, said the federal government has set a 2027 deadline within which his administration will achieve a 70 per cent national digital literacy level.
He added that 3 million youths were being targeted in technical talent (TT) programmes which will focus on advancing digital skills such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and software engineering.
Tinubu said the conference is aimed at preparing young Nigerians for leadership roles having realised that youths play a vital role in the country’s growth.
He said they must be equipped with the right skills, values, and mindset to lead.
“Among several initiatives being implemented by the administration, includes the Nigerian Youth Academy, which is designed to train seven million young people in digital and professional skills, and three million Technical Talent program, which focuses on areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and software development, all these are geared towards achieving 70 per cent digital literacy nationwide by 2027,” Tinubu stated through his representative.
He also acknowledged the importance of creating the right environment for youth to gain mentorship, quality education, economic empowerment, and inclusive governance.
In his part, Commandant, National Defence College, Abuja, Rear Admiral James Okosun, said deliberate efforts must be taken to build strategic leadership capacity among young Nigerians.
He urged participants not to approach the conference with kid gloves as it will empower them to contribute meaningfully to national security, development, and good governance.