In commemoration of World Youth Skills Day (WYSD) 2025, the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) is championing youth empowerment through the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital skills development, reinforcing the strong and growing ties between Nigeria and China.
With this year’s theme, “Youth Empowerment Through AI and Digital Skills,” the NCSP is leveraging its bilateral relationship with China to unlock opportunities for Nigerian youth through targeted skills acquisition programmes, aimed at enhancing employability, entrepreneurship, and economic inclusion.
Speaking on the significance of the global day, NCSP Director General, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, emphasized that strategic collaboration with China enables technology transfer that drives innovation, creativity, and productivity especially among young people.
“When we empower our youth with relevant digital skills, we do more than reduce unemployment; we build a more resilient economy,” Tegbe said. “At NCSP, we are committed to building partnerships that translate into real opportunities, especially in the AI and digital sectors where the future of work lies.”
Tegbe noted that youth are a catalytic force for national development when equipped with the right tools and platforms to thrive. This aligns with the United Nations’ 2014 declaration of World Youth Skills Day, which emphasises the role of education, technical training, and innovation in driving inclusive growth.
He also highlighted the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in bridging the digital divide, especially for underserved communities. Through NCSP’s growing collaborations with Chinese tech companies, digital hubs, and academic institutions, new initiatives are being launched to prepare Nigerian youth for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
“We are aligning policy with practice, bringing together government institutions, private sector players, and international partners to create a pipeline of skilled talent for today and tomorrow,” Tegbe stated.
As Nigeria and China continue to expand their economic and diplomatic engagements, the NCSP remains committed to ensuring that both nations benefit equitably particularly by positioning Nigeria’s youth to lead in innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
This year’s WYSD observance is more than a celebration, it’s a call to action. A call to invest in our youth, embrace strategic partnerships, and build a digitally inclusive and globally competitive Nigeria.
