• A civil society-led consortium plans to train 15,000 disadvantaged Nigerian youths through IBM SkillsBuild under the Reskilling Revolution Africa Phase 2.
• The program targets at least 50% female participation and aims to deliver a minimum of 1,500 internationally recognized IBM digital badges.
• The initiative responds to persistent youth unemployment, with 93% of young workers in informal jobs and about 80 million youths unemployed or underemployed.

Young Advocates for a Sustainable and Inclusive Future (YASIF Nigeria), a civil society organization focused on sustainable development and inclusion, announced plans to train 15,000 disadvantaged Nigerian youths through the IBM SkillsBuild platform under Phase 2 of the Reskilling Revolution Africa initiative. Local media reported the announcement on Sunday, February 1.

The program operates in partnership with IBM, the International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE), and the African Union. The initiative also integrates local organizations, including Emerging Communities and Little Gifted Hands Matter, to support implementation on the ground.

The initiative delivers structured learning pathways through a digital platform that tracks learner progress and issues internationally recognized IBM SkillsBuild certificates. Program leaders position certification as a core employability asset in Nigeria’s evolving labor market.

The program applies a blended learning model that combines online coursework with field-based support. Facilitators provide coaching, mentoring, and hands-on guidance to participants throughout the training process.

YASIF Nigeria describes Phase 2 as a scale-up following a successful pilot program. Organizers report strong learner participation, meaningful female inclusion, and measurable outcomes during the initial phase in Nigeria.

Implementation will cover Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, Katsina, and Niger State. The program sets a target of at least 50% female participation and aims to award a minimum of 1,500 internationally recognized IBM digital badges.

The initiative launches as youth employment conditions in Nigeria remain strained. A recent International Labour Organization (ILO) study cited by Independent reports a youth unemployment rate of 6.5% in 2025.

The study also shows that informal employment affects 93% of young workers, while women face higher exposure than men. Additional local reports estimate that about 80 million Nigerian youths remain unemployed or underemployed, as roughly 1.7 million graduates enter an already saturated labor market each year.

This article was initially published in French by Félicien Houindo Lokossou

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de BERRY QUENUM