President Bola Tinubu’s administration has unveiled plans to train approximately 40,000 Nigerians in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and digital skills under the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI). This initiative aims to provide skill development opportunities for youths, enhancing their chances in the job market and contributing to the nation's economic growth through modern technologies. The announcement is part of the government's larger effort to address unemployment and promote inclusive economic development across the country.
Out of the program’s total 93,731 beneficiaries, 3,000 slots have been specifically allocated for individuals with special needs, according to the Director General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Honourable Silas Agara. The initiative is designed to provide a broad scope of opportunities for diverse groups, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of economic advancement.
Speaking at the official launch of the RHEI at the NDE Skills Acquisition Center in Kuduru, Bwari Area Council, Abuja, Agara elaborated that each state, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will receive 81 slots from the reserved 3,000 positions for persons with special needs. This ensures equitable distribution of the training opportunities across the country.
Agara also explained that participants in the program will not only receive training but will be supported in transitioning to entrepreneurship. This will include providing them with necessary tools, equipment, and startup capital to kickstart their businesses. Furthermore, the government is engaging financial institutions to ensure that adequate financial support is available for all beneficiaries, even after completing their training. The aim is to create a sustainable cycle of employment and economic growth for Nigeria's youth population.
He said: “The current employment initiative has been designed to engage a total of 93,731 unskilled and unemployed persons across Nigeria. Inclusiveness has been a cardinal consideration as we designed this programme. We have ensured that a minimum of 10 persons from each of the 8,809 electoral wards in Nigeria were recruited to benefit from the 30 skills set across our four core programs of vocational skills development, small-scale enterprises, rural employment promotion and special public works.”
Agara further emphasized that various categories of the unskilled and unemployed have been catered for within the framework of the programme. This includes school leavers, school dropouts, women, graduates of tertiary institutions, retirees, and persons with special needs, among others. The NDE’s goal is to reach as many individuals as possible, ensuring broad-based participation across all demographic groups.
“I would like to add that after the training, a good number of the beneficiaries will be resettled into productive entrepreneurial lives through the provisions of tools, equipment, and startup capital. However, those that we are not able to resettle will be linked with credit Granting Institutions for further support,” Agara added, reinforcing the government’s commitment to ensuring that beneficiaries are fully equipped to succeed after the training period.
The NDE Director General assured that under his leadership, the directorate has ensured the adoption of cutting-edge technology in the design and execution of the program. He expressed his satisfaction with the program’s potential to positively impact Nigeria’s youth and prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of the modern economy. “I am delighted to inform you that 40,000 out of the 93,731 persons enrolled in this programme will be receiving training in ICT and digital skills. This is a deliberate step by the NDE in order to equip our youths with emerging skills that will enable them to become globally competitive,” he concluded.
