Nigeria's vice president Kashim Shettima.

Nigeria’s new president is aiming for the country to train one million young people in software engineering, product management, business analysis, cloud computing, and product design.

In addition, experts will mentor 500,000 Nigerian small and medium-sized firms (SMEs), while coaches will train and upskill them for business growth.

Grants will be made available under the scheme through a collaboration between the Federal Government and WEMA Bank, with $650 000 (N500 million) put aside for SMEs and techpreneurs.

The idea was revealed yesterday by the state house, and it is in keeping with President Bola Tinubu's administration's goal to provide more digital opportunities for young Nigerians.

Nigeria's incoming president Tinubu, has pledged to revitalise the continent's largest economy by creating new digital employment.

"Meaningful opportunities for our youth must be created by my administration. We will keep our campaign promise of creating one million new jobs in the digital economy," Tinubu declared during his inaugural address to the nation in Abuja.

The government announced the latest plan through the Vice President's office, saying Nigeria is ready to build a digital hub that will equip one million young people across the country with digital and related skills.

The FGN/ALAT Digital and SkillNnovation Hub centres will open first in Lagos and Borno, with Katsina, Cross River, Anambra, Oyo, and Kano to follow. They will be administered in collaboration with Nigeria’s WEMA Bank.

The arrangement for the project was established after a recent meeting in Abuja between representatives of the bank and Vice President Kashim Shettima, according to a statement from the state house.

According to the government, objectives include “supporting tech-savvy youths who have a keen interest in digital innovations and aspire to drive technological advancements, by providing them with financial solutions, training, and access to strategic partnerships; and empowering young employees to become an integral part of the workforce in Nigeria."

It says the Digital and SkillNnovation Hub will serve as a “centralised platform to provide cutting-edge digital skills, mentorship, and networking opportunities to Nigeria's tech-savvy youths and young entrepreneurs.

"The emphasis is on promoting entrepreneurship, skills development, and the integration of young employees into the workforce, with a particular emphasis on employing one million youths in the digital economy and upskilling SMEs that can directly add value to the country's economy."