President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerian youths to take advantage of the skills acquisition programme launched by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) to enhance their employability and secure job opportunities.
The project, implemented in partnership with the Grassroots Bridge Builders (GBB), a non-governmental organisation, aims to equip 60,000 youths with practical, life-improving skills across various sectors.
Speaking at the launch of the NASRDA Skills Acquisition Project in Abuja on Wednesday, Tinubu—represented by Mr Adewale Adeogun, Chairman of the Tinubu National Think Tank (TnT)—said the initiative aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda to tackle unemployment and poverty.
“Many Nigerians are unaware of the President’s policies due to misinformation or lack of information,” Adeogun stated. “This NASRDA-GBB initiative aims to educate and empower citizens – working through NGOs, religious organisations, and corporate bodies – to lift millions, including at least 50 million Nigerians, out of unemployment.”
He added that the federal government is collaborating with ministries, departments, agencies, and private industries to integrate participants of the programme into the workforce. “These trained youths will be connected to employment opportunities through various government channels,” he said.
Director-General of NASRDA, Dr. Matthew Adepoju, described Nigerian youths as intelligent, hardworking, and creative, adding that space science and technology can serve as tools for empowering local communities.
He noted that NASRDA had already piloted a programme in mast installation and telecom infrastructure management with over 60 participants. “Our goal is to expand this training to reach young people at state and local government levels, where the majority of the population resides,” Adepoju explained.
Dr. Haruna Mohammed, Technical Adviser to the Director-General, said the agency is currently profiling participants and scaling up the initiative. “Following the success of our pilot phase, we are now set to train 5,000 youths in the next stage. We’ve already received requests from ministries to train up to 60,000,” he said.
According to Mohammed, the programme will cover 27 vocational skills, including artistry, carpentry, and painting.
Also speaking, Mr. Ibrahim Igoche, Chief Executive Officer of GBB, urged other NGOs and development partners to join the government in strengthening youth capacity and reducing poverty nationwide.
