FCT Mass Education Leads Youth Skills Revolution, 400 Enrolled Across Six Councils

By Genesis Ogiri | July 17, 2025 | Abuja

As the world commemorates United Nations World Youth Skills Day, the Federal Capital Territory Department of Mass Education (DME), under the leadership of Dr. (Mrs.) Favour Edem-Nse, has renewed its commitment to empowering youth with relevant skills for the 21st-century economy — with a bold call for greater private sector collaboration to bridge the gap between training and sustainable employment.

Speaking at the commemorative event held at the FCT DME Headquarters, Dr. Edem-Nse emphasized that youth empowerment must go beyond classroom theory to provide practical, income-generating skills. She noted that over 400 youths are currently participating in the department’s expanded development training programs across the six Area Councils of the FCT.

 “We have expanded our development training programs across the FCT,” said Dr. Edem-Nse. “In addition to empowering our youth with relevant technical and entrepreneurial skills, we are building strategic partnerships to ensure free job opportunities are accessible through private sector collaboration.”

The week-long intensive training, taking place from July , features courses in ICT, tailoring, catering, solar installation, phone and laptop repairs, and small-scale business development. The initiative aligns with this year’s global theme: “Youth Empowerment Through AI and Digital Skills,” and is designed to close the digital and vocational divide while laying foundations for economic inclusion.

Speaking to journalists, Dr. (Mrs.) Favour Edem-Nse explained that the initiative was inspired by the United Nations' call to action for youth empowerment through skills development. She emphasized that, in the context of Nigeria’s current economic realities, skills have become the most powerful voice and driving force for the youth.

Dr. Edem-Nse also reaffirmed the core mandate of the Department of Mass Education, stating that the agency remains committed to providing basic literacy and second-chance education for young adults and older learners who may have missed out on formal education opportunities earlier in life.

 “The United Nations World Youth Skills Day, themed this year as ‘Youth Empowerment Through AI and Digital Skills,’ is more than a celebration,” Dr. Edem-Nse noted. “Today, we do not gather merely as policymakers, educators, or stakeholders — we gather as architects of your future. The UN designated this day to spotlight the critical need to equip young people with relevant skills, not just for today’s challenges, but for greater exploits beyond the moment.”

According to Dr. (Mrs.) Favour Edem-Nse, Director of the FCT Department of Mass Education, more than 400 youth drawn from the six Area Councils of the FCT are currently participating in the intensive skills training program. The initiative covers a wide range of modules including ICT, tailoring, catering, phone and laptop repairs, solar installation, AI literacy, and small-scale enterprise development—designed to align young people with 21st-century employment trends and entrepreneurial opportunities.

In a bid to bridge the persistent gap between acquired skills and real-world employment, Dr. (Mrs.) Favour Edem-Nse appealed to the private sector to actively support the initiative by offering structured apprenticeship and mentorship opportunities for young trainees across the FCT.

 “We can’t do it alone. We are calling on private organizations, workshops, vocational centers, and business owners to open their doors to our trainees. Apprenticeship is a vital link between training and earning. Let’s partner to give these young people a chance to grow.”

In an inspiring message to participants, Dr. (Mrs.) Favour Edem-Nse challenged the youth to take ownership of their future, urging them to harness their skills, embrace resilience, and seize opportunities as active contributors to national development.

In an inspiring message to participants, Dr. (Mrs.) Favour Edem-Nse challenged the youth to take ownership of their future:

 “Create your opportunity through this skill. You are not just leaders of tomorrow—you are leaders of today. Success is not a straight line; it takes vision, resilience, and endurance. Your journey may be tough, but your skills will announce you. They will unlock doors that qualifications alone may not.”

Referencing the iconic words of Nelson Mandela, she emphasized:

“Education remains the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Dr. Edem-Nse further underscored the global relevance of the event, noting that World Youth Skills Day serves as a crucial reminder of the role of youth in shaping inclusive, innovative, and sustainable societies, especially through the advancement of AI and digital literacy.

“The United Nations World Youth Skills Day, themed this year as ‘Youth Empowerment Through AI and Digital Skills,’ is more than a celebration. Today, we do not gather merely as policymakers, educators, or stakeholders — we gather as architects of your future. The UN designated this day to spotlight the critical need to equip young people with relevant skills, not just for today’s challenges, but for greater exploits beyond the moment.”

NMEC: “Together, We Can Harness the Power of AI”

A representative of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC) commended the FCT DME for the timely initiative, stressing the role of AI in youth transformation.

 “We laud this forward-thinking initiative. Empowering youth through inclusive training in AI and entrepreneurship is not just timely—it is essential for Nigeria’s future,” the NMEC representative stated. “Together, we can harness the power of digital literacy and artificial intelligence to create opportunities, close skill gaps, and build a smarter, more inclusive society.”

ITF: “Imagine AI Predicting School Dropouts—Let’s Integrate It”

Also delivering a goodwill message, Mrs. Phoebe, who represented the Director General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), praised the DME and emphasized the urgent need to integrate AI into the national education ecosystem.

“Equipping our youth requires urgent action. Integrating AI and digital literacy into training programs is a welcome development. Imagine local students developing an AI model to predict school dropouts—we must integrate such innovation into our curriculum.”

She emphasized that such skills not only align Nigerian youth with global standards but also require support structures such as teacher capacity-building, innovation hubs, and curriculum reform.

 “Let us partner with ITF to establish Innovation Hubs, scale up Artisan empowerment, and incorporate AI for learning-to-learn skills. These are core calls by ITF. Our partnership with FCT Mass Education is built on that same foundation.”

She referenced the national skills acquisition directive:

“This initiative aligns with a presidential order. As Mr. President rightly said—‘If you must japa, japa with skills!’”

Education Secretariat: “This Is About Building Futures”

In a powerful contribution, the representative of the FCT Education Secretariat praised the DME for aligning with global priorities and leading the youth into a future powered by skills and technology.

“We laud the Department of Mass Education for championing this AI empowerment initiative targeted at our youth. This year’s global theme, ‘Youth Empowerment Through AI and Digital Skills,’ is both timely and transformative. Today, we are not just making speeches—we are launching unwavering action.”

She noted that empowerment must go beyond the classroom, and instead, lead to real-life productivity.

 “Empowerment must provide pathways born out of love—pathways that lead to sustainability and dignity. Trainings across the six Area Councils in renewable energy, tailoring, and practical vocational skills are crucial solutions to the challenges of our time.”

Looking ahead, she called for sustainable collaboration through funding and strategic partnerships:

 “We look forward to continued collaboration—providing not just funding but moral support. The Department is the engine of this initiative, and we must keep fueling it.”

To the participants, she left a hopeful message:

 “To our youths, adult learners, and future leaders—this is for you. Your success is our pride. Skills are not just tools for employment—they are tools for living. Let’s work together to unlock potential and build an FCT that is inclusive, productive, and prosperous.”

Conclusion: Skills for Today, Solutions for Tomorrow

This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the FCT Administration to align local development with global goals on youth empowerment, digital inclusion, and sustainable economic growth. With this year’s World Youth Skills Day theme—“Youth Skills for Peace, Prosperity, and the Planet”—the FCT’s efforts reaffirm that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the changemakers of today.

As the youth across Abuja engage in this transformative week of learning, one message remains clear:

Skills build futures. Partnerships sustain impact. And every youth deserves a chance to succeed.