In a significant move to boost youth entrepreneurship and employability, especially among Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has flagged off the Youth Sustainable Enterprise Challenge (YSEC) Programme in Jigawa State.
The initiative, launched at the Manpower Development Institute (MDI) in Dutse, is funded by the British Council in technical collaboration with King’s Trust International. It targets 80 young participants, including women and persons with disabilities, equipping them with vital ICT knowledge and soft skills required to thrive in today’s digital economy.
Speaking during the launch, CITAD’s Senior Programme Officer, Isah Garba, described the programme as a proactive response to Nigeria’s deepening youth unemployment crisis. He highlighted that the YSEC initiative falls under the British Council’s broader Youth Connect Global Programme, which aims to empower young people with tools for entrepreneurship, employment, and civic engagement.
“As challenges around youth unemployment continue to escalate, this programme is a timely intervention that offers practical solutions through digital skills acquisition and enterprise development,” Garba noted.
He stressed that many young Nigerians face barriers to employment due to limited access to formal education, inadequate vocational training, and a lack of critical informal skills. The YSEC programme, he said, is designed to bridge these gaps, especially for marginalized groups like PWDs.
According to him, the 80 selected beneficiaries, aged between 18 and 35, will be trained in key areas such as digital entrepreneurship, ICT proficiency, marketing strategies, and essential soft skills – all crucial for building sustainable livelihoods.
Garba added that by equipping youth to thrive in the fast-evolving digital marketplace, the programme seeks not only to create jobs but also to stimulate economic growth and innovation.
“This initiative goes beyond mere training – it is about transforming lives. We are nurturing a new generation of youth entrepreneurs who will not only support themselves but also create employment for others,” he emphasized.
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