The Federal Government of Nigeria has revealed that the Tinubu administration’s commitment to providing more digital jobs for young Nigerians would create Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Tech Hubs in seven states of the federation in partnership with Wema Bank Plc.

This will also target one million youths, including 500,000 MSMEs with grants and digital training.

The Federal Government, through the Office of the Vice President, noted this in a statement shared by its Director of Information, Olusola Abiola.

It was revealed that the partnership is set to launch a digital hub that will empower one million youths across the country with digital and related skills.

“The centers to be known as FGN/ALAT Digital and SkillNnovation Hub will open first in Lagos and Borno States with Katsina, Cross River, Anambra, Oyo, and Kano to follow afterward. They will be run in partnership with a leading financial institution in Nigeria, WEMA Bank”, it revealed.

The statement further read in part: “The arrangement for the initiative was reached after a recent meeting between representatives of the bank and Vice President Kashim Shettima in Abuja.

“The strategic objectives of the program include: empowering young entrepreneurs by providing them with tailored financial products, training, and support to enable them to build sustainable businesses that will support the growth of Nigeria’s economy.

“Other objectives include: supporting tech-savvy youths with keen interest in digital innovations and aspiring to drive technological advancements, by providing them with financial solutions, training and access to strategic partnerships; and empowering young employees to become an integral part of the workforce in Nigeria especially those deployed through the NYSC.

“FGN/ALAT Digital and SkillNnovation Hub, positioned to serve as a centralized platform to provide cutting-edge digital skills, mentorship, and networking opportunities, is targeted at tech-savvy youths and young entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

“The focus is on promoting entrepreneurship, skills development, and the integration of young employees in the workforce, particularly getting one million youths employed in the digital economy and upskilling SMEs who can directly add value to the country’s economy.

“In training, 1 million young adults will be trained in software engineering, product management, business analysis, cloud computing, and product design, using a specialized curriculum designed for the FGN/ALAT Digital and SkillNnovation Hub.”

In mentorship, 500,000 SMEs across Nigeria will be mentored by experts while coaches will train and upskill them for business growth and quantum leap.

The scheme grants will be provided under a collaborative arrangement between the Federal Government and WEMA Bank, setting aside N500 million to be given to SMEs and Techprenuers.