Across Nigeria, thousands of young people are searching for opportunities — funding for education, capital for businesses, digital skills, or pathways into employment. To address this gap, the Federal Government, through its ministries, departments, and partner institutions, has launched multiple youth-focused programs.

Whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, creative, tech enthusiast, or job seeker, there is likely a program designed for you.

Below are 20 key youth programs you should know about — and take advantage of.

1. Student Loan for Tertiary Education

An interest-free student loan scheme supporting undergraduates in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Repayment begins three years after graduation and only upon securing employment.

Apply here: https://www.portal.nelf.gov.ng/auth/login

2. Technical and Vocational Education (TVET)

Provides free technical and vocational training with a monthly stipend of ₦45,000, enabling youths to gain practical, income-generating skills.

Learn more: https://www.tvet.education.gov.ng/

3. Million Technical Talent (3MTT)

A flagship digital initiative training 3 million Nigerians in IT, software development, data, and other tech fields, with employment facilitation.

Register: https://3mtt.nitda.gov.ng/

4. Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) Startup Grants

Offers ₦1 million grants to 200 youth-led startups and ₦500,000 to 100 informal sector beneficiaries to scale their ventures.

Learn more: https://yid.fmyd.gov.ng/project-initiatives/

5. NiYA Gig Digital Work Platform

A digital marketplace connecting Nigerian youths to paid freelance and remote work opportunities locally and globally.

Learn more: https://www.gigs.niya.gov.ng/

6. Youth Investment Fund (YIF)

Provides financial support and business funding to young entrepreneurs across various sectors.

Learn more: https://yif.gov.ng/

7. National Youth Development Bank

A youth-focused financial institution providing accessible loans and capital for young business owners.

Learn more: https://nydb.gov.ng/

8. Digital Literacy for All Initiative

A national program aimed at achieving 70% digital literacy in Nigeria by 2027.

Learn more: https://digitalliteracy.gov.ng/

9. Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP)

Targets the creation of 2.5 million jobs through vocational training and entrepreneurship development.

Learn more: https://leep.gov.ng/

10. NDE Renewed Hope Employment Initiative

Has trained and resettled over 33,000 youths in vocational trades, providing starter packs for business take-off.

Learn more: https://nde.gov.ng/

11. CNG-Powered Tricycle Empowerment Scheme

Distributes 2,000 CNG-powered tricycles to youths, creating transport business opportunities while promoting clean energy.

Learn more: https://cngtricycle.gov.ng/

12. Yo! Health Youth Initiative

A national campaign promoting youth health awareness, wellness education, and preventive healthcare engagement.

Learn more: https://yohealth.gov.ng/

13. Ministry of Steel Development Youth Bootcamp

Trains youths in metallurgy, welding, fabrication, and mechanical design for industrial sector opportunities.

Learn more: https://steeldevelopment.gov.ng/

14. Nigeria Health Fellowship

A fellowship program that has trained and employed 774 young Nigerians to strengthen the healthcare workforce.

Learn more: https://healthfellowship.gov.ng/

15. Reimagining Hope Creative Residency

Empowers young creatives in film, music, fashion, and tech through mentorship, training, and industry exposure.

Learn more: https://reimagininghope.gov.ng/

16. NextGen Resilience Corps

Mobilizes youths to champion climate action, environmental sustainability, and local innovation.

Learn more: https://nextgenresilience.gov.ng/

17. Stockholm Junior Water Prize Nigeria

A competition encouraging Nigerian teens to develop innovative solutions in water management and sustainability.

Learn more: https://sjwpnigeria.gov.ng/

18. SMEDAN Creative & Garment Studios

Supports youths in fashion and the creative economy with studio access, tools, and enterprise development programs.

Learn more: https://smedan.gov.ng/

19. NDDC Youth Entrepreneurship Fund

A ₦30 billion fund dedicated to supporting youth entrepreneurship in the Niger Delta region.

Learn more: https://nddc.gov.ng/

20. AfDB $100 Million Loan for Youth and Women-Led Enterprises

An African Development Bank initiative targeting over 38,000 youth- and women-led businesses with funding and business support.

Learn more: https://afdb.org/

Final Thoughts

Opportunities abound for Nigerian youths willing to learn, build, and grow. From education financing to tech skills, creative empowerment, and enterprise funding, these government programs are powerful stepping stones toward financial independence and national development.

Don’t keep this information to yourself — share it with friends, students, entrepreneurs, and job seekers who may benefit.