The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Africa Projects Development Centre (APDC) to revitalise youth development centres across Nigeria.
The Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, said in Abuja on Tuesday that the initiative is part of renewed efforts to reposition youth facilities for skills acquisition, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He noted that the programme aligns with the government’s broader commitment to youth empowerment, job creation, and sustainable development.
Olawande explained that the partnership focuses on rehabilitating, equipping, and optimally utilising youth centres to provide vocational, digital, technical, and entrepreneurial skills to young Nigerians. He highlighted that many youth centres have experienced prolonged neglect, and the collaboration with APDC will bring technical expertise, private-sector efficiency, and innovative funding models to restore them.
“The centres will be transformed into modern training and incubation hubs, providing opportunities for innovation, mentorship, and market access. This initiative will also strengthen the ministry’s capacity in donor engagement, project implementation, and results-based monitoring to ensure measurable impact,” Olawande said.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Maryam Kenshiro, described the partnership as a strategic step toward enhancing youth development structures. She emphasised that the programme will focus on equipping centres to deliver skills aligned with current labour market demands while supporting effective programme monitoring, evaluation, and resource mobilisation.
Speaking on behalf of APDC, Managing Director Dr Chiji Ojukwu said the collaboration reflects a shared vision with the ministry to scale up youth empowerment nationwide. He noted that APDC has already supported over 9,000 youths and women through programmes in agriculture, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), environmental sustainability, and the creative sector.
Ojukwu added that the partnership will promote national expansion of youth development initiatives, strengthen resource mobilisation efforts, and support evidence-based policies to ensure sustainable impact across the country.