In Abuja recently, the National Space Research and Development Agency, popularly known as NASRDA, teamed up with the civil society group Grassroots Bridge Builders to champion a fresh approach to tackling unemployment among young Nigerians. The message was clear and urgent: equip young people with practical technology skills so they can thrive in a rapidly evolving job market and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s growth.
The event drew a large crowd of youths who came seeking not just hope, but concrete opportunities to build careers they can be proud of. At the heart of the discussions was the belief that the age of information and innovation presents enormous opportunities for young people if they are prepared with the right skills.
NASRDA and Grassroots Bridge Builders used the gathering as a platform to remind governments, development partners, and the private sector that investing in technology skills for youth employment in Nigeria is not just desirable but essential.
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Empowerment Beyond Words
Speaking at the opening of the NASRDA/Grassroots Bridge Builders Skills Development Project at the Women Development Centre in Abuja, Engr. Ibrahim Moses Igoche, Director-General of Grassroots Bridge Builders, challenged stakeholders to raise the bar on youth empowerment. He argued that technology skills are more than vocational training; they are tools of economic transformation.
According to Engr. Igoche, Nigeria’s large youth population can only be a positive force for national development when access to relevant, technology-based skills is expanded. He stressed that meaningful training helps young men and women find purpose, secure employment, and steer clear of social vices that often accompany idleness.
“It is skills that change narratives. When young people are taught how to use their talents in ways that solve real problems, we unlock their potential and drive national progress,” he said during his address.
Igoche also commended NASRDA for its visionary leadership and partnership in empowering youth. He urged more organisations to commit resources to skills development programmes that can deliver tangible results for the next generation.
NASRDA’s Vision for a Skilled Youth Population
In his remarks at the event, the Director-General and Chief Executive of NASRDA, Dr. Matthew Adepoju, emphasised that training young Nigerians goes far beyond conventional job creation. He described the acquisition of technology skills for youth employment in Nigeria as a catalyst for innovation, dignity, and long-term national development.
Though represented by his Director of Media and Corporate Communications, Dr. Felix Ale, Dr. Adepoju’s message resonated strongly with the audience. He said that when young people are equipped with practical, relevant skills—especially in science and technology—they become key contributors to national development. This aligns with NASRDA’s mandate to harness space-based resources and science-driven solutions to address socio-economic challenges facing Nigeria.
Dr. Adepoju also noted that empowering young Nigerians with such skills fits squarely within the broader policy agenda of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which prioritises empowerment, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.
The NASRDA boss also lauded Grassroots Bridge Builders for its commitment to this shared vision, promising continued support for programmes that prepare the youth to play meaningful roles in nation-building and economic revitalisation.
Unified Call to Action
Adding more weight to the call for technology skills as a vehicle for youth employment, representatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency spoke earnestly to the young audience. Brigadier General Mohammed Marwa (rtd), represented at the event by the NDLEA Secretary, Barrister Shedrach Haruna, urged young Nigerians to reject involvement in drug-related activities and other social vices. Instead, he encouraged them to embrace skills acquisition as a long-term investment in their future.
Participants at the gathering expressed a shared sense of optimism about the growing partnership between public institutions and civil society in closing the gap between youth unemployment and meaningful engagement. Many noted that technology skills are no longer optional but essential for young Nigerians who want to be part of the global economy.
In echoing comments from other empowerment efforts nationwide, including initiatives that train youths in sectors such as digital technology, AI, and innovation, it is clear that a skills-centred approach is gaining momentum as a viable solution to unemployment and social challenges.
At a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with high youth unemployment and slow economic growth, the coordinated drive to build technology skills among young people gives many hope. For Nigeria’s youth, acquiring practical, future-ready skills can be the bridge between potential and opportunity, ensuring that their energy, talent, and ambition contribute to a stronger, more prosperous tomorrow.
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