The Bank of Industry (BOI), in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development (FMYD) has launched the BOI Youth Empowerment Pilot Programme. The programme will provide free vocational and entrepreneurial training to 500 young Nigerians. The programme will be delivered by Sapphital, a Pan-African digital learning and technology company based in Abuja, Nigeria. Sapphital specializes in AI-powered Learning Management Systems (LMS), e-learning and custom software solutions. Through the programme, participants will gain practical skills and knowledge to support skill development enterprise development, entrepreneurship and future employment.
Practical Skills, Mentorship and Enterprise Support
The pilot will be delivered through the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), where they will complete short, instructor-led video courses. The courses were selected based on income-generation potential and market demand. Training will cover creative and artisan skills, production and manufacturing skills as well as digital skills. In addition to the training, selected participants will have access to mentorship, practical exposure, and enterprise support opportunities.
Equipping Young Nigerians for Global Competitiveness
Speaking on the launch of the initiative, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to youth empowerment “President Tinubu believes that youth empowerment and training are core pillars of national reform. A nation succeeds when its young population are globally competitive. Through this programme, we hope to equip Nigerian youths with the skills and capabilities they need to compete and thrive on a global scale.”
Building a Scalable Model for Youth Empowerment
Commenting on the launch, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Industry, said: “Young Nigerians are our greatest economic asset, and the Bank of Industry is committed to providing them the tools required to build a brighter future, creating viable enterprises. This pilot is much more than just a training programme. It connects young people to skills, mentorship and real opportunities to start and sustain businesses. Through our partnership with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and Sapphital, we are building a model that can be scaled across Nigeria to reach even more young people in support of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
About Bank of Industry
The Bank of Industry Limited is Nigeria’s foremost development finance institution, with a mandate to transform the industrial sector through financial and business support to enterprises. Its financing supports the establishment, expansion, diversification, modernisation and rehabilitation of enterprises, with development outcomes including import substitution, poverty alleviation, job creation and economic diversification.
As part of its strategic focus, Youth and Skills Development is one of the Bank’s six thematic areas. Through initiatives such as these, the Youth and Skills team works to equip young Nigerians with the skills, opportunities, and support needed to improve employability, drive entrepreneurship, and contribute to inclusive economic growth.
Theodora Amechi
Divisional Head, Public Relations
+234 0201 271 5070 Ext 2887
strategiccommunications@boi.n