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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
In a significant move to address the pressing issue of youth unemployment, Vice President Kashim Shettima, yesterday, inaugurated the Steering Committee of the Nigeria Jubilee Programme (NJFP) at the Presidential Villa.
The VP said the initiative was part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to enhance employment opportunities for graduates and equip them with essential market-ready skills.
The NJFP is a collaborative effort between the Nigerian government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the European Union (EU), which has invested €44 million into the programme. The initiative aims to tackle the challenges faced by young Nigerians in securing meaningful employment while fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
Shettima, during the inauguration underscored the urgency of addressing youth unemployment, which he described as a critical challenge for Nigeria.
“Prolonged periods of unemployment can hinder future income potential and significantly diminish career opportunities,” he stated. He called for collective action among stakeholders to combat this issue before it destabilizes the nation’s future.
Shettima described the NJFP as more than just an employment initiative; he referred to it as a catalyst for youth-driven innovation, emphasising that the programme aims to provide not only job placements but also practical skills through real-world applications.
“This is how we scale impact—by embedding long-lasting, transformative learning experiences into the program structure,” he added.
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The NJFP seeks to place 20,000 graduates annually in various sectors, linking them with local opportunities for a twelve-month placement where they can apply their skills and gain valuable experience. The programme is coordinated by the Vice President’s office alongside other key initiatives focused on human capital development.
UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, praised the federal government’s commitment to advancing human capital development, particularly in youth empowerment.
She noted that since Shettima took on leadership roles in various initiatives, many young Nigerians have begun breaking barriers and achieving success both locally and globally.
Echoing this sentiment, EU Head of Cooperation Massino de Luca expressed pride in the NJFP as a flagship program that embodies the EU’s commitment to youth development in Nigeria.
He highlighted that both Nigerian and European businesses have benefited from the initiative, which has fostered strong partnerships and empowered thousands of young fellows.
Minister of Youth Development Jamila Bio-Ibrahim linked the NJFP to her ministry’s goal of creating 10 million jobs by 2027, emphasising that collaboration is essential for achieving this ambitious target.
Meanwhile, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite acknowledged that while progress has been made in training youths, challenges such as COVID-19 have hindered reaching estimated targets.
