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| Photo credit — iDICE |
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially rolled out the iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Programme, a large-scale initiative aimed at equipping 300,000 young people aged 15–35 with digital and creative skills while linking at least 80% of them—roughly 240,000 participants—to employment or career opportunities.
This effort forms a core part of the broader Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme, valued at approximately $617.7 million. Funding comes from the African Development Bank (AfDB), Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and the Bank of Industry (BOI), which acts as the executing agency.
What Makes This Programme Different?
Many previous skills programmes stopped at certificates. iDICE Skills-to-Jobs explicitly prioritises employment outcomes. Officials have set a minimum 80% job-linkage target, meaning the programme’s success will be measured by how many trainees actually secure work or viable career pathways in Nigeria’s digital economy, creative industries, or global outsourcing markets.
Training is structured in three progressive tracks—basic, intermediate, and advanced—and blends online learning with in-person sessions. This hybrid model is intended to accommodate participants with varying levels of prior experience and access to devices or internet.
Delivery is organised across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with six competitively selected implementing partners coordinating activities. Each zone has an allocation of about 50,000 training slots, covering all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
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Inclusion Targets
The programme includes specific goals for broader participation:
• At least 40% of beneficiaries should be women.
• A minimum of 5% is reserved for persons living with disabilities.
• Additional focus is placed on young people classified as NEET (not in employment, education, or training).
These targets aim to ensure the benefits reach underrepresented groups.
Statements from Officials
At the launch, Vice-President Kashim Shettima emphasised the shift from pure training to employment pathways: “Through the iDICE skills-to-jobs initiative, we are not training young Nigerians and leaving them to find their way. We are building the bridge from skills to employment, connecting 300,000 of our brightest young people to digital and creative jobs that the 21st-century global economy demands.”
BOI Managing Director Dr Olasupo Olusi noted that the skills-to-jobs component will help build a pipeline of digitally skilled, employment-ready young Nigerians as part of wider economic transformation efforts.
Who Can Apply and How?
Eligible applicants are generally:
• Nigerian citizens or residents aged 15–35
• Interested in digital, creative, or Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) careers
• Committed to completing the training
People with disabilities and other vulnerable groups are particularly encouraged to apply. Applications are free—never pay anyone claiming to “help” with submission.
Visit the official portal at **https://idice.ng/skills-training-to-jobs**. Select the geopolitical zone that matches your state of residence and follow the zone-specific application instructions. Prepare basic details such as personal information, NIN (where required), and contact details. Application windows and exact processes can vary by zone, so check the official site for the latest updates.
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Skills and Opportunities Covered
Participants can expect practical training in high-demand areas such as digital literacy, software-related skills, data work, digital marketing, creative fields (animation, content creation, design, etc.), BPO competencies, and workplace employability skills. The exact curriculum is delivered by accredited providers and aligned with industry needs.
The government positions the programme as a way to prepare Nigerian talent for both local digital-economy roles and opportunities in global outsourcing and creative industries.
Looking Ahead: The Real Test
While the scale and funding are ambitious, the critical measure will be whether the promised employment linkages materialise at the targeted volume of at least 240,000. Past skills programmes in Nigeria have sometimes struggled with job placement rates; transparent tracking and strong employer partnerships will be essential.
For young Nigerians seeking practical digital or creative skills with a clearer pathway to work, the iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Programme represents one of the larger current opportunities. Interested applicants should apply early through the official channels only and verify all details on the iDICE website.
Samuel O. Sulaimon is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Naijapiz. He covers News, Sports, Finance, Faiths, Education, Technology.
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