The Federal Ministry of Youth Development (FMYD), in collaboration with the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), is set to launch the National Youth Internship Programme (NYIP) to boost youth employability and reduce unemployment through structured, on-the-job skills transfer.
The pilot phase will focus on the Energy and ICT sectors, deploying 3,000 interns per sector into tightly monitored internship placements that include a compulsory mentorship component. While the primary beneficiaries will be recent NYSC graduates, the programme will also accommodate artisans and undergraduates through an unskilled internship track aligned with industry needs.
To support participants, the government will provide stipends, with an option for industry matching. A rigorous, merit-based selection process will ensure that only trainable and high-potential candidates are chosen, increasing the likelihood of industry absorption post-internship.
Furthermore, a ₦1.5 billion Post-Internship Innovation Fund has been established to support outstanding interns who wish to develop innovative solutions or businesses from the skills acquired.
The NYIP is set to be launched by His Excellency, the President, in April 2025, marking a significant step toward reducing unemployment, increasing youth employability, and enhancing workforce development in Nigeria.
