"God has blessed Nigeria with a vibrant youth population, ready to learn and capable of competing in the global economy of the 21st century. We must give hope and assurance to our teeming youth population, built on a solid foundation of sustainable growth and prosperity..."
Welcome to The Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), a hub of inspiration, transformation, limitless possibilities, and opportunity for the future of our nation. As the Minister for Youth Development, I am honoured to be bringing you warm greetings. This platform is for us, by us, developed to become the place where we gain knowledge, skills, and connect with one another as we build a brighter future for all youths across the country. The struggle has been real and intense in recent years, and I understand the challenges and aspirations you have, the hurdles you face, the dreams you harbour, and the potential that lies within each of us.
Now, in a position to effect change, I have created NiYA to give millions of youths across the country access to a growing collection of Online Classes that you can take at your own pace, from any location, at any time. With our Live Classes, you will also connect with subject matter experts in real time and learn on-the-go. You will also have access to our digital community, stay up-to-date on opportunities and information to boost your career and entrepreneurship prospects. We will also partner with leading institutions of learning, corporate bodies, academia, and development organisations to build a large ecosystem for our youths.
At NiYA, our mantra is “One Youth, Two Skills.” This underscores the idea that each young person should have access to a comprehensive set of skills, going beyond a singular focus. It aligns with the notion that a diverse skill set enhances an individual’s versatility, employability, and overall ability to navigate and contribute meaningfully to various aspects of life, whether it be in education, employment, entrepreneurship, or community engagement. We are the largest group in the country, and the wind that will drive change. NiYA is our digital place where we can grow, connect, and thrive. As you embark on this transformative journey, remember that you’re not alone. I stand by your side, not just as a minister but as someone who understands your journey.
NiYA and Cascador are partnering to equip young Nigerian founders with the skills, mentorship and support they need to build investment-ready businesses and access growth capital.
This programme is designed to go beyond traditional training by helping young entrepreneurs strengthen the foundations of their businesses, improve their operational structure, and develop a clear pathway toward sustainable growth. Through a combination of expert-led sessions, hands-on guidance, and practical business development support, participants will gain the tools needed to move from early-stage ideas to structured, scalable enterprises that are ready for investment and long-term success.
Participants will also benefit from direct exposure to experienced mentors and industry professionals who understand what it takes to build and scale successful businesses in today’s competitive environment. The programme places strong emphasis on real-world application, ensuring that founders are not only learning concepts but actively applying them to refine their business models, improve their value propositions, and prepare compelling investment pitches.
8 Founders. Up to ₦5 Million Each. Non-Dilutive Funding.
NiYA Academy is the foundation of NiYA, built to equip young Nigerians with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in today’s fast-changing economy. Through our One Youth, Two Skills initiative, we ensure that every Nigerian youth is empowered with at least two marketable skills that open doors to employment, entrepreneurship, and financial independence. Whether you want to work in tech, business, creative industries, or skilled trades, NiYA Academy provides practical, hands-on training to help you achieve your goals.
NiYA Community is a dynamic and interactive network where Nigerian youths can connect with employers, find job opportunities, and showcase their skills. If you are looking for a job, seeking career advice, or want to connect with like-minded professionals, NiYA Community provides the perfect environment to engage, learn, and grow. Employers and businesses also benefit from access to a pool of talented, skilled professionals, making recruitment faster and easier.
NiYA Gigs is a freelance platform built specifically for Nigerian youths who want to monetize their skills, work with global clients, and earn a steady income. Whether you're a graphic designer, writer, digital marketer, programmer, social media manager, or virtual assistant, NiYA Gigs provides you with a secure and structured way to find high-paying gigs. Unlike other platforms that require foreign payment systems, NiYA Gigs is tailored for Nigerians, ensuring that you can earn globally and get paid locally.
The NiYA StartUp is a national innovation initiative that identifies and supports young entrepreneurs building solutions for Nigeria’s future. Through a competitive selection process, youth-led startups receive funding, mentorship, enterprise tools, and national visibility to help them grow. The pilot edition attracted over 14,000 applications, with 17 startups receiving ₦1 million seed funding and business support. The upcoming NiYA StartUp Pitch 2.0 will expand the impact by empowering 100 high-potential startups across the country, strengthening Nigeria’s youth innovation and enterprise ecosystem.
"To invest in the Nigerian youth is to invest in the very soul of the nation, acknowledging their capacity to innovate, lead, and redefine the future trajectory of our great country."
In the heart of Nigeria’s transformative journey, the Nigerian Youth Academy emerges as a beacon of empowerment, igniting a vision for a resilient tomorrow. With a resounding commitment to empower and train 7 million youth within the next 2 years, the NiYA Ecosystem stands as a dynamic force propelling the nation’s future. In this pursuit, it intertwines innovation, national collaboration, and global perspectives, envisioning a landscape where Nigerian youth become architects of their desired future. Our commitment is clear:
NiYA and Cascador are partnering to equip young Nigerian founders with the skills, mentorship and support they need to build investment-ready businesses and access growth capital.
Seventeen startups from across Nigeria took the stage at the NiYA StartUp Pitch 1.0, selected from over 14,000 applicants. Backed by Hon. Ayodele Olawande, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, SuperTeam Nigeria, and Sapphital, the event underscored the nation’s commitment to empowering youth-led innovation.
Partnership between the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, National Insurance Commission, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria and Sapphital.
Partnership between FMYD, Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to train Nigerian Youths in Data Protection using NiYA Platform and deploy them across Nigeria
Partnership between FMYD and the Presidential CNG Initiative for a sustainable, self-reliant future by lowering transportation costs, creating jobs, and promoting clean energy solutions.
Explore NiYA’s Latest Job Creation Initiatives Driving Employment, Skills Development, and Economic Growth
Stay updated with the latest news, success stories, and important announcements from NiYA. From new opportunities and skill development insights to community achievements and inspiring journeys, this is your go-to source for everything happening in the NiYA ecosystem!
NiYA stands for Nigerian Youth Academy, a platform empowering young Nigerians with knowledge, skills, and mentorship to unlock their potential and become future leaders.
NiYA caters to all young Nigerians between the ages of 18-35 years, from all regions and local government areas of the country. Any youth interested in acquiring skills and belonging to the largest online digital community of Nigerian Youths.
NiYA also provides live classes, online job / career fairs, membership zones, forums, startup supports, podcasts, mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and lifetime access to our resource centre.
NiYA offers a diverse range of online courses covering various topics like business, technology, finance, life skills, personal development, and more. We have categorised them into 3 - Technical Skills to get Jobs, Soft Skills to actualise your full potentials and Others to grow your international knowledge and self-identity.
NiYA is completely FREE, thanks to the Federal Government of Nigeria, Federal Ministry of Youth Development and our partners.
Yes, you will receive a certificate of completion for successfully finishing a NiYA course.
Yes, having a marketable skill (e.g., graphic design, writing, coding) will improve your chances of getting gigs.
Yes, businesses can post job openings and find skilled professionals or freelancers.
Through local ambassadors, federal government structures, and partnerships, ensuring resources are accessible even in areas with limited internet access.
NiYA Partners with Cascador to Empower 17 Young Founders with ₦49 Million in Grants The Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development (FMYD), has partnered with
Running a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) requires more than selling products or delivering quality services. Business owners must manage finances, track sales, maintain customer relationships, monitor inventory and coordinate
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PRESS RELEASE 14th August, 2026 …Eight top-performing founders to receive up to ₦5 million each in non-dilutive funding — Olawande The Federal Ministry of Youth
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