Every responsible government in the world seeks ways to empower young people to become productive members of society. The youths are the backbone of every economy because they constitute what economists refer to as the “working population” of any nation.
Normally, they should constitute what ordinary people call “working class” members of the society because only then can they contribute their energy, talents and skills towards economic growth.
Actually, there are several youth empowerment programmes launched by the Nigerian government and private organisations to combat youth unemployment and help young people in many other ways.
In this article, I would go over the most remarkable ones and detail how you can access them for your own benefit.
Meaning and aims of youth empowerment
Before exploring the different programmes, it is important to clarify what I mean by Youth empowerment.
Youth empowerment simply means providing the resources and enabling the environment to help young people become productive, successful and self-reliant.
Not all youth empowerment programmes must be sponsored or managed by the government. NGOs and even private individuals can create programmes to empower young people as well.
The programmes I would go over are the ones that are likely to result in economic empowerment either directly or indirectly.
What are the youth empowerment programmes?
There are several programmes that you can take advantage of to improve your life as a young Nigerian. Through these programmes you can get a job, work as a contractor or start your own business. I would go over them and provide information on the first step you can take towards accessing these benefits.
1. 3MTT
One reason I like the 3MTT programme is how easy it is to access. 3MTT stands for ‘3 million technical talents’ programme. As the name implies, it is aimed at training over 3 million young Nigerians in lucrative digital skills such as cybersecurity, web development and data science.
Benefits
- You get high quality training (both in- person and online) for free
- You can build a professional network with other learners.
- Access to funds to start a tech business on successful job completion
- Free laptops (Although this is not guaranteed for everyone)
- Potential to benefit from unemployment benefits once this is rolled out.
First Step
- Visit https://app.3mtt.training/apply and start your application as a fellow.
2. SUPA
SUPA stands for Skill-Up Artisans. It was set up by the Federal government in collaboration with the ITF (Industrial Training Fund). Its stated goal is to upskill, licence and provide tools for artisans. This includes people like plumbers, electricians and car mechanics.
Benefits
- Access to tools and equipment for your work.
- You get registered and licensed which makes it easier to land blue collar jobs.
- You get high quality training in areas like electrical work, plumbing, carpentry and masonry.
First step
- Visit the registration link here and register. If you want to learn some artisan work remember to select “Intending artisan” and proceed.
3. Graduate Entrepreneurship Fund by Bank of Industry
The Graduate Entrepreneurship Fund (GEF) was set up by the Bank of Industry in collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). If you are a serving corps member who needs funding to start a business, this is an opportunity you should definitely take advantage of.
Benefits
- You would be prepared to face the business world by participating in their capacity building training programme.
- You would get access to a low interest loan (as low as 0% interest) of as much as 3 million naira.
First step
– You would have to apply once the portal is open. Keep an eye out at www.boi.ng/graduate-entrepreneurship-fund/ for this.
– Create an account waiting by filling in the correct details and you would be contacted if you are shortlisted for the capacity building programme.
4. Government Enterprise and Empowerment programme by Bank of Industry
The Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) fund was established by the federal government to support the businesses of people like market women, women co operative societies, small scale farmers, artisans and most importantly, enterprising youths.
It is important to note that to qualify for this loan you must belong to either a co-operative or a group registered with your state.
Benefits
- You get low interest loans to support your small business.
First steps
- You have to open an account with the Bank of Industry before applying for this loan.
5. Brave Women projects
Business Resilience Assistance for Value-adding Enterprises (BRAVE) for Women was established by the BOI in partnership with the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative and the Islamic development bank.
It primarily targets women owned businesses in Edo, Gombe and Kano states as well as firms and business associations.
Benefits
- Grants of between $5000 – $50,000
First step
– Contact the bank of Industry for further information about the application process.
6. Nigeria Youth Investment Fund
The Nigeria Youth Investment Fund was established by the federal government to combat unemployment through youth entrepreneurship. If you have any good business ideas and you are between the ages 18-40 then you can benefit from this N110 billion fund.
Benefits
- You get to receive loans of between N3 million and N50 million to start your business or grants/equity as much as N100 million.
First step
– Visit the NYIF portal here to start your application
7. Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme
This is an initiative of the federal government in collaboration with the EU and UNDP to improve the employability of young Nigerians. This programme is suited for fresh graduates in Nigeria.
Benefits
- You will be placed in an organisation (Either public or private sector) to work for 12 months. This helps with upskilling and work experience.
- You will get paid as well. N100,000 monthly
- You have the opportunity to be retained if you perform well at the organisation where you were placed.
First step
– Keep an eye out at https://www.njfp.ng/apply for the next application cycle. When the
portal opens, you can start applying
8. Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship programme
This is a private sector initiative launched by Nigerian Businessman Tony Elumelu. It is aimed at empowering entrepreneurs across Africa by giving up to $5000 in funding to support their business ideas.
Benefits
- Successful applicants get up to $5000 in funding to float their business.
First step
– You can start your application anytime the application portal is opened. Keep an eye
out at http://www.tefconnect.com/ for the next application cycle.
9. Bet9ja Foundation Young Executive Program
This is another private sector initiative launched by Bet9ja. It aims to empower youths by improving their entrepreneurial and employability skills. It features training, mentorship and even support for starting your own business.
Benefits
- You benefit from free training that boosts your employability and entrepreneurship skills.
- You also get mentorship from selected participants.
- Some selected participants get to work in partner organisations as interns.
- You also get support of up to N500,000 to start your business as well as other perks such as free business registration, a website and advisory support for up to 3 months
First step
– Keep an eye out at https://www.bet9jafoundation.org/young-executive-program for
when the next application cycle resumes.
– Simply click on “register” there and start the application process.
10. Access Bank Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton Africa
This initiative was set up by Access bank to support women in business with funding and education. Applicants compete for these benefits by pitching their business ideas to a panel of judges.
Benefits
– You receive free training that can be beneficial in starting your business or raising funds for your business.
– Top applicants receive up to N5 million in business grant and a mini-MBA scholarship
First step
Keep an eye out at https://www.womenpreneur.ng/ for the next application cycle. Simply apply when the application starts.
11. NYSC SAED Programme
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has a special programme organised by the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Department (SAED). This programme helps train interested corps members in various skill areas such as ICT, shoemaking, fish farming etc .These skills are there to help corps members survive without white collar jobs after the service year.
Benefits
- You get to choose an area of interest and receive free training in that skill area.
First step
- NYSC holds compulsory SAED training during their Orientation programme. All you have to do is take them seriously and continue with the training beyond the orientation programme.
How can you help the youths today?
While government and large corporations continue to create initiatives to combat unemployment and empower young people there are still several gaps that private individuals can fill. I will outline a few meaningful ways Nigerian youths can be empowered.
Meaningful ways to empower the youth
- Using creative means to combat drug abuse among young people in Nigeria.
- Creating effective adult education systems to prepare young people especially those who are parents for the challenges of parenthood. This is critical because unstable families have led indirectly to other calamities.
- Creating technology to support massive indoor and greenhouse farming in Nigeria. This would help circumvent the challenges associated with current farming practices.
- Bridging digital literacy gap in rural areas
- Creating a credit system to sponsor equipment financing on a large scale.
Bottomline
While Nigeria has its challenges, there are several opportunities you can take advantage of as a young Nigerian. We have an enormous challenge as a country but private individuals can also contribute to youth empowerment in Nigeria.
Thank you so much