Nigeria is home to one of the largest and most creative youth populations in Africa. In 2025, new opportunities are opening across the country for young people eager to learn, innovate, and contribute to national growth.
From entrepreneurship grants to digital skills training, these empowerment programs 2025 offer a pathway to financial independence, professional experience, and community impact. Whether you are a student, graduate, or entrepreneur, there is a program tailored to your goals.
If you are also interested in remote work opportunities, read our guide on Remote Jobs for Beginners: Where to Find Legit Work to discover real online jobs that pay.
Below is a comprehensive list of 20 youth empowerment programs you can apply for in 2025 including national, regional, and international opportunities open to Nigerians.
1. Nigeria Jubilee Fellowship Programme (NJFP)
The NJFP is a Federal Government initiative in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It connects fresh Nigerian graduates with private and public sector organizations for a 12-month paid placement.
Eligibility:
Nigerian citizen under 30 years old.
Graduated not earlier than 2022 with a degree or HND.
Completed NYSC or holds an exemption letter.
Benefits:
Monthly stipend of ₦150,000.
Work experience in reputable organizations.
Mentorship and professional training.
How to Apply:
Visit the official portal portal.njfp.ng and fill in all required details.
You can also check our article on Top Digital Skills That Will Be in High Demand by 2030 to build the right skills before applying for NJFP placements.
2. Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Program
The TEF Program supports young entrepreneurs with training, mentorship, and $5,000 in seed capital to launch or scale their businesses.
Eligibility:
African citizens aged 18 and above.
Must have a business idea or an existing business under five years old.
Benefits:
$5,000 seed funding.
12-week entrepreneurship training.
Access to TEFConnect digital network.
How to Apply:
Submit applications via www.tefconnect.com.
To make your TEF application stand out, read our detailed guide on Best Side Hustles That Actually Pay in 2025 for creative business ideas that attract funding.
3. Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP)
LEEP is a government-backed initiative that trains and equips Nigerian youth with digital and vocational skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
Eligibility:
Nigerian citizen aged 18–35.
Must be unemployed or underemployed.
Benefits:
Digital literacy training.
Entrepreneurship support and grants.
Job placement assistance.
How to Apply:
Visit leep.gov.ng for updates on registration for the 2025 cycle.
4. 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Program
The 3MTT Program, organized by NITDA, is part of Nigeria’s drive to build a digital economy. It aims to train three million young Nigerians in high-demand technology skills.
Eligibility:
Nigerian youth aged 18–40.
Basic computer literacy.
Benefits:
Free training in coding, cybersecurity, and data analysis.
Job placement through partner tech companies.
Certification upon completion.
How to Apply:
Apply via 3mtt.nitda.gov.ng.
If you are just starting your tech career, our post on How to Start Investing with Little Money explains smart ways to grow your income while learning digital skills
5. Youth Economic Intervention and Development Empowerment Programme (YEIDEP)
YEIDEP focuses on economic inclusion and youth empowerment by providing funding, skills development, and job creation opportunities.
Eligibility:
Nigerian youth aged 18–35.
Must show commitment to entrepreneurship or community development.
Benefits:
Grants and startup financing.
Technical training and mentorship.
Support for business registration.
How to Apply:
Applications are open via www.yeidep.org.
To learn how to write a winning business proposal for programs like YEIDEP, check out our article on 10 Websites That Pay You to Learn New Skills for platforms that reward growth and learning.
6. African Union Youth Volunteer Corps (AU-YVC)
This continental program allows young Nigerians to serve in development projects across Africa.
Eligibility:
Aged 18–35.
Bachelor’s degree minimum.
Commitment to community service.
Benefits:
Monthly living allowance.
Regional work placement.
Leadership experience.
How to Apply:
Apply on www.au.int.
If you’re passionate about community development, you’ll also find our post on Top Digital Skills That Will Be in High Demand by 2030 useful for strengthening your leadership capacity.
7. Youth Empowerment Fund (YEF)
The Youth Empowerment Fund (YEF) supports young innovators with funding and training for sustainable projects.
Eligibility:
Nigerian youth aged 18–40.
Must lead a social impact project.
Benefits:
Grants and entrepreneurship training.
Mentorship and networking.
How to Apply:
Applications open on the Global Youth Mobilization platform.
Creative professionals can further explore Best Side Hustles That Actually Pay for ways to turn their creative passion into income.
8. Climate Champions Youth Fellowship 2025
The Climate Champions Fellowship trains Nigerian youth passionate about environmental sustainability.
Eligibility:
Aged 18–35 with interest in climate advocacy.
Benefits:
Global mentorship and exposure.
Hands-on project implementation.
How to Apply:
Apply through www.climatechampions.net.
9. Nigerian Youth Skills Empowerment Program (NYES)
This initiative equips young Nigerians with vocational and technical skills to reduce unemployment.
Eligibility:
Youth aged 18–35 in Nigeria.
Benefits:
Free training in trades and entrepreneurship.
Access to startup support and tools.
How to Apply:
Apply via moe.bauchistate.gov.ng.
10. Creative Economy Youth Empowerment Initiative (CEYEI)
CEYEI promotes digital and creative industry training for Nigerian youth under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
Eligibility:
Aged 18–35.
Must have an interest in the creative or tech industries.
Benefits:
Creative industry training.
Funding opportunities.
Career mentorship.
How to Apply:
Visit yid.fmyd.gov.ng.
11. Bet9ja Foundation Youth Empowerment Initiatives
Bet9ja Foundation offers scholarships, vocational training, and startup grants to Nigerian youth.
Eligibility:
Nigerian youth aged 18–35.
Benefits:
Educational support.
Entrepreneurship funding.
How to Apply:
Applications via www.bet9jafoundation.org.
You can also learn 10 Smart Ways to Save Money in Your 20s to manage and grow the financial support you receive from empowerment programs.
12. Youth Empowerment Foundation (YEF Nigeria)
YEF is an NGO supporting Nigerian youth with leadership and career development programs.
Eligibility:
Youth aged 15–35 across Nigeria.
Benefits:
Life skills education.
Advocacy training.
How to Apply:
Visit yefnigeria.org.
13. Young Africa Nigeria Skills Program
Young Africa Nigeria provides training in technical and vocational skills for self-reliance.
Eligibility:
Nigerian youth aged 18–30.
Benefits:
Free vocational training.
Internship and job placement.
How to Apply:
Apply via youngafrica.org.
14. LEAP Africa Youth Leadership Program
LEAP Africa trains young leaders in ethics, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
Eligibility:
Nigerian youth aged 18–35.
Benefits:
Leadership training.
Networking and mentorship.
How to Apply:
Apply via www.leapafrica.org.
15. Open Minds – Young Voices (Nigeria)
An annual training program for emerging Nigerian youth leaders organized by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.
Eligibility:
Nigerian youth aged 18–35.
Benefits:
Capacity building and political awareness training.
Mentorship and civic engagement.
How to Apply:
Visit nigeria.fes.de.
Participants of civic engagement programs can enhance their career paths through Remote Jobs for Beginners: Where to Find Legit Work for part-time professional opportunities.
16. PGF Empowerment Scheme 2025
A state-level initiative focused on youth empowerment through agriculture, ICT, and entrepreneurship.
Eligibility:
Nigerian citizens, especially in northern states.
Benefits:
Skills training and financial support.
Tools and resources for small businesses.
How to Apply:
Visit your state’s Youth Empowerment Agency website.
17. One Young World Leading Scholarship 2025
Supports outstanding Nigerian youth to attend the One Young World Summit.
Eligibility:
Age 18–30.
Proven record in leadership or innovation.
Benefits:
Fully funded participation at the summit.
Networking with global leaders.
How to Apply:
Apply via www.oneyoungworld.com.
18. Global Youth Scholars Development Programme
Organized by UNITAR, this program trains Nigerian youth on the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Eligibility:
Students and young professionals.
Benefits:
Online learning and global exposure.
How to Apply:
Visit www.unitar.org.
19. African Development Bank (AfDB) Internship Program
AfDB provides Nigerian youth with hands-on development finance experience.
Eligibility:
Nigerian students or graduates aged 21–35.
Benefits:
Paid internship and professional training.
How to Apply:
Apply through www.afdb.org.
20. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Fellowships
UNDP fellowships help Nigerian graduates gain field experience in sustainable development.
Eligibility:
Aged 22–35.
Bachelor’s degree required.
Benefits:
Monthly stipend.
Global experience and mentorship.
How to Apply:
Apply on www.undp.org.
For those interested in international exposure, check out Top Digital Skills That Will Be in High Demand by 2030 to prepare for global roles.
Why These Empowerment Programs Matter in 2025
Nigeria’s unemployment and underemployment challenges can only be solved through skills development and innovation. These programs give youth practical opportunities to learn, earn, and contribute to national growth.
By joining any of these empowerment programs 2025, you open doors to funding, professional exposure, and personal transformation.
Conclusion
2025 is a year of opportunity for young Nigerians ready to take charge of their future. Whether your passion lies in entrepreneurship, digital skills, or leadership, these programs are designed to help you grow.
Do not wait for the perfect moment. Choose a program, prepare your documents, and apply now. Each step you take brings you closer to the success you envision.
To keep improving while you wait for application results, explore 10 Websites That Pay You to Learn New Skills and make your downtime productive.
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