The Center for Information Technology And Development (CITAD) in Kano, in its effort to address youth unemployment, has organized training for 70 young people to benefit from sustainable enterprise, job creation, and self-reliance.
The three-month training, which began this week, is funded by the British Council and the King’s Trust Foundation. Beneficiaries will not only receive training in various online enterprises but will also gain the skills needed to train others.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Senior Program Officer of CITAD, Isah Garba, who represented Director-General Yunusa Ya’u, stated that this training is necessary to address the current employment challenges and to expose youths to modern sustainable enterprise opportunities.
He added that from the 70 youths trained, eight of the top-performing participants would each receive N250,000 to start businesses in which they have excelled.
“As Nigeria’s youth unemployment crisis reaches staggering heights, the search for effective solutions has become more urgent than ever,” Garba stated.
He further explained that primary contributors to this crisis include inadequate skills training, incomplete formal education, and a lack of informal skills essential for securing employment or starting entrepreneurial ventures.
“Addressing these barriers head-on, the second phase of this initiative, funded by the British Council and supported by King’s Trust International, aims to turn the tide for Nigeria’s youth,” he disclosed.
Garba highlighted that “To equip young individuals with the tools necessary for success, CITAD embarks on a comprehensive entrepreneurship program focused on fostering both technical and soft skills.”
“This structured training will provide participants with a wide-ranging understanding of various business dynamics, empowering them to transition smoothly into the business and labor markets,” he said.
Building on the success of the first phase, in which 60 youths were trained, CITAD is now set to train an additional 70 youths in Kano, targeting individuals aged 18 to 25, with extended provisions for participants up to age 35.
“Notably, the initiative places significant emphasis on women and persons living with disabilities (PLWD), ensuring inclusivity in the training process,” he added.
The training program covers critical areas, including digital entrepreneurship, ICT skills, and marketing, along with essential soft skills that boost employability and entrepreneurial capacity.
“By focusing on digital entrepreneurship, participants will learn to navigate the digital landscape, creating and sustaining businesses within the rapidly evolving online marketplace,” Garba noted.
The ongoing support from the British Council and King’s Trust International underscores a collaborative effort to nurture a generation of resilient and capable business leaders.
“As the nation grapples with the reality of youth unemployment, initiatives like these serve as a beacon of hope, enabling young Nigerians to take charge of their futures, become self-reliant, and contribute meaningfully to society.”
“With the right skills and support, the youth of Nigeria can emerge as the architects of their destinies, fostering a prosperous tomorrow for themselves and their communities,” he added.
He emphasized that “Through these training programs, Nigeria’s youth will unlock their potential, driving innovation and economic development across the country.”
