The Federal Government of Nigeria, in a strategic partnership with Wema Bank, has officially launched a nationwide initiative designed to empower the country's youth with critical digital competencies. Named the FGN–ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme, the scheme opened for applications on January 4, 2026, as announced by the Office of the Vice President.
Bridging the Digital Divide for Nigeria's Youth
This ambitious programme is a direct response to a pressing national challenge. While Nigeria boasts one of the world's largest and most vibrant youth populations, a significant portion remains sidelined from the digital economy. Limited access to relevant skills, mentorship, and clear career pathways has created a gap between potential and opportunity.
The FGN–ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme, spearheaded by President Bola Tinubu's administration and Wema Bank, is engineered to bridge this gap. Its core mission is to equip young Nigerians with future-ready digital, entrepreneurial, and professional skills that align with the demands of a rapidly evolving global marketplace. By doing so, it aims to unlock youth potential, stimulate homegrown innovation, and significantly bolster Nigeria's competitiveness in the digital age.
What the Programme Offers to Participants
This is not just another training workshop. The programme offers a comprehensive ecosystem that connects structured learning with real-world application. Successful applicants will gain access to a robust package of benefits designed for tangible outcomes:
- Market-Relevant Training: Digital and innovation-focused skills training tailored to current and future industry needs.
- Entrepreneurship Development: Incubation support and business development guidance for aspiring and existing entrepreneurs.
- Expert Mentorship: Direct access to mentorship from experienced industry professionals and subject matter experts.
- Career Tracks: Specialized learning pathways for both employed professionals seeking to upgrade and individuals starting their careers.
- Growth Tools: Access to essential tools, professional networks, and opportunities to scale ideas and accelerate career growth.
This holistic approach ensures beneficiaries are not only trained but are also supported to apply their new skills in practical, income-generating ways, whether through employment or enterprise.
Eligibility and National Impact
The programme casts a wide net, inviting young Nigerians from diverse backgrounds who are eager to learn and contribute to the digital economy. Eligible applicants include:
- Young entrepreneurs aiming to build or scale digital and innovation-driven businesses.
- Career-focused professionals seeking to upgrade their digital skills for greater workplace relevance.
- Youths with a strong demonstrated interest in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
- Individuals ready to commit to a structured journey of learning, mentorship, and personal development.
Beyond individual transformation, the initiative is a key pillar in national development strategy. It directly supports job creation, fosters innovation-led economic growth, and contributes to building a more resilient and future-focused workforce. By empowering a new generation with in-demand digital competencies, the programme tackles unemployment and underemployment while positioning Nigerian talent to compete effectively both locally and on the global stage.
The launch of the FGN–ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme represents a significant public-private commitment to harnessing Nigeria's demographic dividend. It provides a clear, actionable pathway for young Nigerians to transition from potential to power in the digital economy.
