In recent years, Nigeria has faced a daunting challenge: a significant rise in youth unemployment. According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, the youth unemployment rate among individuals aged 15-24 surged to 8.6% in the third quarter of 2023, an increase of 1.4% from the previous quarter. This worrying trend highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions to address the gap between the skills young people possess and the opportunities available in the job market.
In response to this growing challenge, the Alliance for Youth Nigeria was formed—a business-driven movement committed to equipping young Nigerians with the skills necessary to thrive in today’s competitive job market or to venture into entrepreneurship. Launched in August 2021, the Alliance for Youth Nigeria is a coalition of like-minded organizations working together to create sustainable earning opportunities for the nation’s youth.
The founding members of this alliance include prominent organizations such as Nestlé Nigeria, Jobberman Nigeria, Big Bottling Company, the United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria, and U-Connect HR Limited. These organizations have joined forces, supported by key institutions like the Federal Ministry of Youth, the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, and Activate Success International, to achieve a shared goal: to reach 250,000 young Nigerians with employability and entrepreneurial skills by 2025.
A flagship initiative under this alliance is the Vocational Skills Training program, delivered in partnership with the Whitefield Foundation. This program has been meticulously designed to address the pressing needs of the youth by offering training in four critical skill areas: solar panel installation, graphic design (including social media and web design), CCTV and cable installation, and beauty care, which encompasses makeup, aromatherapy, and massage therapy.
These skill areas were selected with careful consideration of market demands and the potential for sustainable employment or business creation. By focusing on practical, hands-on training, the program ensures that participants not only gain theoretical knowledge but also develop the competencies required to excel in their chosen fields.
A powerful example of the impact of this initiative can be seen in the story of Mustapha Fasasi, a 34-year-old from Oyo State in South-West Nigeria. Mustapha had long been interested in solar and renewable energy, recognizing the growing importance of these fields in addressing global energy challenges. However, despite his passion, he lacked the technical skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in this area.
When Mustapha heard about the Alliance for Youth’s upskilling program on a radio broadcast, he knew it was the opportunity he had been waiting for. Eager to learn and armed with determination, he enrolled in the solar panel installation training. Over the course of the program, Mustapha gained the skills and confidence he needed to enter the solar energy sector. Today, he is well on his way to building a successful business in solar energy, using his newfound expertise to provide for himself and his family, while contributing to the broader goal of sustainable development in Nigeria.
The success of Mustapha and many others like him was celebrated in 2024, when the vocational training program commemorating International Youth Day culminated in a graduation ceremony at St John Anglican College in Kuto Abeokuta, Ogun State. This event marked the successful completion of training for 372 participants who, like Mustapha, had taken significant steps toward securing their futures.
At the graduation ceremony, members of the Alliance for Youth Nigeria encouraged the graduates to continue pursuing their dreams, emphasizing that the skills they had acquired through the program were their tools for building successful careers or businesses. To further support their journey, high achievers from each vocational skill set were rewarded with start-up kits and capital, facilitating the immediate launch of their businesses.
Graduates from the graphic design training received laptops, enabling them to kick-start careers in digital design and online content creation. Those who excelled in the beauty, massage, and aromatherapy training were provided with comprehensive makeup tool kits and massage beds, giving them the essential equipment needed to start their own beauty and wellness businesses. High-flyers from the solar installation class were also awarded complete toolboxes, empowering them to begin offering professional solar installation services.
The ceremony was more than just a celebration of academic achievement; it was a showcase of real-world skills and their potential to transform lives. Beneficiaries from each skill set demonstrated their capabilities through live practical projects, highlighting the tangible impact of the training. These demonstrations served as a testament to the program’s effectiveness in equipping young people with the skills needed to succeed in today’s economy.
Reflecting on the broader impact of the Alliance for Youth Nigeria, Tumi Onamade, Chief Operating Officer of the United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria, spoke at the event, underscoring the transformative power of youth empowerment. “As we celebrate International Youth Day and the 3rd Anniversary of the Alliance for Youth, we are reminded of the immense potential within our young people to drive transformative change,” she said. “The dedication, creativity, and resilience they have shown, especially those who traveled from various states to participate in the vocational skills training held in Ogun State, highlight their commitment to personal growth and community development. These young individuals are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the change-makers of today, shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future with their innovative ideas and bold actions.”
Onamade’s words encapsulated the essence of the Alliance’s mission: to empower young people to become active contributors to their communities and the nation at large. By providing them with the necessary tools and training, the Alliance for Youth Nigeria is helping to cultivate a generation of leaders who are equipped to tackle the challenges of the future.
Shakiru Lawal, Country Human Resources Manager at Nestlé Nigeria, also emphasized the importance of investing in the nation’s youth. “Investing in today’s youth is crucial because the actions we take now will shape our nation’s future prosperity,” he stated. “At Nestlé, we understand that the well-being of our communities depends on the opportunities we create for the next generation. This is why we are committed to working with like-minded organizations to ensure that young people are equipped with the skills necessary to secure meaningful employment or start their own businesses.”
Since its inception in 2021, the Alliance for Youth Nigeria has made significant strides toward its ambitious goal. Through collaborations with federal platforms such as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), career fairs, and other goal-oriented organizations, the Alliance has provided vocational training, employability skills, and soft skill enhancements to over 35,499 youths. This effort aligns with the organization’s overarching objective of empowering 250,000 young people by equipping them with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.
The success of the Alliance for Youth Nigeria is a testament to the power of collaboration and the impact that can be achieved when businesses, government agencies, and non-profits work together toward a common goal. By investing in the youth, the Alliance is not only addressing the immediate challenges of unemployment and underemployment but also laying the foundation for a more prosperous and inclusive future for Nigeria.
Beyond the Alliance for Youth, Nestlé’s commitment to empowering young people extends to its broader youth engagement platform, Nestlé Needs YOUth. Launched in 2013, this initiative helps young people access economic opportunities through four key pillars: employment, skills development, support, and creating more opportunities. Through these programs, Nestlé reaches an average of 25,000 youths annually, making a difference in their lives and the future of Nigeria.
International Youth Day, celebrated annually on August 12, serves as a reminder of the critical role that young people play in shaping the world’s future. It raises awareness of significant issues impacting youth, including health, education, and employment, and underscores the importance of equipping the next generation with the tools they need to succeed. This year’s theme, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” highlights the vital role that digital technology plays in advancing sustainable development goals.
As Nigeria continues to navigate the challenges of youth unemployment and underemployment, initiatives like the Alliance for Youth Nigeria offer a beacon of hope. Through its vocational training programs and its broader efforts to empower young people, the Alliance is helping to create a future where every young Nigerian has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.