The Federal Ministry of Youth Development has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UAE Digital School, a flagship initiative of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiative (MBRGI), to expand access to digital education and practical skills training for Nigerian youth through the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA).
The agreement, signed in Dubai, represents a major step in Nigeria’s push to equip its young population for active participation in the global digital economy.
It followed a series of engagements held in July 2025 between Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, and senior UAE government officials as well as development partners.
Speaking at the ceremony, Olawande described the partnership as “a promise to equip Nigerian youth with the skills, tools, and opportunities they need to thrive in a fast-changing digital world.”
He thanked the government and people of the United Arab Emirates for their leadership and sustained investments in global development.
“What we celebrate today goes beyond Nigeria.
“It stands as a symbol of shared responsibility, shared progress, and shared hope for the youth of both nations, ” he said.
The UAE Digital School, led by Dr. Waleed Al Ali, provides world-class digital learning opportunities to underserved communities globally.
Under the new collaboration, Nigeria will tap into the school’s infrastructure, educational resources and technical expertise to advance digital inclusion and strengthen youth learning outcomes nationwide.
Olawande also acknowledged Sapphital Limited, the ministry’s technical partner, for its role in supporting NiYA and related digital empowerment programmes.
He commended his team for their dedication in bringing the initiative to reality.
According to the ministry, the partnership is expected to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation drive by providing modern, skill-based education designed to prepare young people for emerging opportunities in the future of work.
