The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Africa Projects Development Centre (APDC) to revitalise Youth Development Centres across the country, as part of renewed efforts to reposition youth facilities for skills acquisition, innovation, and national development.
The signing ceremony, held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital marks a strategic partnership focused on the rehabilitation, equipping, and optimal utilisation of youth centres to empower young Nigerians with relevant vocational, digital, and entrepreneurial skills.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to youth empowerment, job creation, and sustainable development.
He noted that many youth centres nationwide have suffered prolonged neglect and emphasised that the partnership with APDC will introduce much-needed technical expertise, private sector efficiency, and innovative funding models to restore them to functional standards.
The Minister described the collaboration as a shared commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive youth development framework.
He explained that the partnership will cover project design, training and capacity building, implementation, resource mobilization, monitoring and evaluation, with a central focus on revitalizing Youth Development Centres nationwide.
According to him, the partnership seeks to transform existing youth centres into modern, fit-for-purpose training and incubation hubs delivering vocational, technical, digital, and entrepreneurial skills aligned with high-demand sectors.
The centres will also serve as platforms for innovation, mentorship, and market access for young Nigerians.
Comrade Olawande added that the initiative will strengthen the Ministry’s institutional capacity in donor engagement, project implementation, and results-based monitoring and evaluation, ensuring measurable impact and value for money.
He stressed that the MoU provides a practical platform for translating youth development policies into implementable, results-driven programmes that address unemployment, skills gaps, and limited access to finance.
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In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Kenshiro, described the partnership as a strategic step towards strengthening youth development structures and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians.
She noted that the collaboration will focus on transforming existing youth centres into functional training and incubation facilities delivering vocational, technical, digital, and entrepreneurial skills programmes tailored to current labour market demands.
Dr. Kenshiro further stated that APDC brings proven expertise in project design, capacity building, and youth incubation, which will complement the Ministry’s mandate and enhance programme delivery, monitoring, and evaluation.
She added that the MoU provides a framework for joint resource mobilization, including engagement with development banks and strategic partners, to ensure sustainability and measurable impact.
Partnerships
Earlier, the Managing Director of APDC, Dr. Chiji Ojukwu, said the partnership is the outcome of sustained engagement and a shared vision with the Ministry to scale youth empowerment programmes nationwide.
He disclosed that APDC has empowered over 9,000 youths and women through programmes in agriculture, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), environmental sustainability, and the creative sector.
Dr. Ojukwu noted that the partnership will support national expansion, strengthen resource mobilization efforts, and promote evidence-based youth policy development to ensure sustainable impact across the country.