The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, has announced a landmark partnership with Google to empower Nigerian youth and expand their access to global and local opportunities through digital transformation. This strategic collaboration aims to bridge the digital divide, foster innovation, and equip young Nigerians with the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy.

Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, disclosed this during a courtesy visit by a Google delegation led by Ms. Tanya Singh, Head of Value Education, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. The Minister emphasized that this partnership is a crucial step towards realizing the vision of “One Youth, Two Skills” under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu. He noted that the collaboration has become necessary to create meaningful impact for Nigerian youth, as relying solely on government funding may not be sufficient.

The Minister urged NGOs and other organizations to join the initiative, highlighting the importance of collective efforts in driving youth development through technology. He also emphasized ongoing partnerships with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and other relevant agencies to advance youth development through technology.

Ms. Singh, Head of Value Education at Google, explained that the collaboration originated from a recent meeting between President Bola Tinubu and Google’s CEO in France. She outlined the five key pillars of the partnership, which include:

1. Building Digital Infrastructure: Creating technology infrastructure that supports government, businesses, and individuals in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation. This includes strong AI and tech infrastructure.
2. Human Capacity Development: Investing in digital skills and tools to upskill Nigeria’s youth population. This will enable young people to access better job opportunities and become more competitive in the global economy.
3. Economic Diversification: Creating an enabling environment for sectors like fintech, agri-tech, and health-tech to thrive locally and globally. This will help Nigeria diversify its economy and reduce dependence on oil.
4. SME Support and Entrepreneurship: Providing tools and support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to scale and compete globally. Many young Nigerians are building innovative businesses, and this partnership will help them access the resources they need to succeed.
5. Positioning Nigeria as a Global Talent Hu: Showcasing Nigerian talent on the world stage and ensuring young people have the skills to meet global demands. Google aims to position Nigeria as a global leader in AI and tech talent.

Ms. Singh stressed the importance of sustained investment in skill-building, stating that youths need not only skills but also the ability to apply them in real-world contexts. Google plans to make strategic investments in establishing a Digital Youth Academy, expanding digital literacy programs, and launching key initiatives across Nigeria. This will help equip young Nigerians with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the digital economy.