- Oando and NCIC launched the Green Youth Upskilling Programme to train 25 young Nigerians in renewable energy and sustainable waste management.
- The nine-month programme aims to create green jobs and bridge the technical skill gap.
The Oando Foundation, in partnership with the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre (NCIC), has launched a nine-month Green Youth Upskilling Programme (GYUP) to train young Nigerians in renewable energy and sustainable waste management, aiming to tackle unemployment and boost climate action.
The initiative will equip 25 participants with technical skills, business training and seed funding to establish green enterprises.
“The programme tackles two pressing national issues, youth unemployment and climate vulnerability,” said Tonia Uduimoh, Head of Oando Foundation, during the launch in Lagos. “Over nine months, 25 exceptional youth selected from more than 8,000 applicants will receive hands-on training, mentorship and startup funding to build businesses in renewable energy and circular economy sectors.”
She said the initiative forms part of the foundation’s LEARNOVATE strategy under its PLANET pillar, which promotes equitable, climate-sensitive education. “Our goal is not only to train these young people but to turn them into local experts and job creators providing real-world environmental and economic solutions,” she added.
In addition, NCIC Chief Executive Bankole Oloruntoba called the programme the result of two years of planning and engagement.
“A shortage of technical talent continues to hold back Nigeria’s climate economy despite its huge potential,” he said. “This programme will bridge that gap by developing young professionals who can install, service and innovate across green sectors.”
He said GYUP will unfold in three phases: sector mapping and engagement, technical apprenticeships and a grant scheme for the top beneficiaries. Modules on entrepreneurship and soft skills will prepare participants to launch or scale their ventures.
“We expect to see 25 operational green businesses emerge from this cohort. Ten will receive catalytic grants, while all participants will complete apprenticeships for practical industry exposure,” Oloruntoba said. He urged them to view the programme as a launchpad.
“Your success will help shape the narrative of Nigeria’s green future,” he added.