iDICE Opens 300,000 Free Skills-to-Jobs Opportunities for Nigerian Youth

The Federal Government has opened applications for the iDICE Skills Training-to-Jobs Programme 2026, creating a major opportunity for young Nigerians to gain free, practical skills and improve their chances of securing employment in the digital and creative economy.

The programme, being implemented under the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) initiative through the Bank of Industry (BOI), is targeting 300,000 young Nigerians across the country.

According to information released for the current rollout, the training is 100 per cent free and is designed for Nigerians aged 15 to 35. Opportunities are being made available across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, covering all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

More Than Just a Certificate

Unlike conventional skills programmes that may end when participants receive certificates, the iDICE Skills-to-Jobs initiative is built around connecting training with actual economic opportunities.

The programme focuses on equipping young people with skills that can help them secure employment, pursue freelance work, build businesses or enter Nigeria’s growing digital and creative sectors.

The initiative covers areas linked to digital technology, creative industries, Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and workplace employability.

The emphasis on employment is particularly significant. BOI documents for the iDICE programme state that the Skills-to-Jobs component is intended to deliver training and link beneficiaries with job opportunities, particularly in the BPO industry. Trainers are expected to demonstrate their ability to connect trained participants with employers.

Skills That Can Lead to Jobs

The programme’s digital and creative focus means participants can explore career paths beyond traditional technology roles.

Potential areas include customer service and call-centre operations, data entry and back-office services, technical support, virtual assistance, graphic design, UI/UX, video editing, animation, social media content production, digital marketing, copywriting, audio and podcast production, gaming and other creative services.

A South-West implementation partner, for example, said its iDICE BPO training-to-jobs programme will target 50,000 young people across Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun and Oyo states.

Backed by Development Partners

The wider iDICE programme is a Federal Government initiative implemented by the Bank of Industry, with financing support from international development institutions including the African Development Bank (AfDB), Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).

The programme is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s technology and creative sectors through skills development, enterprise support and access to opportunities.

The BPO component is particularly focused on creating a pathway from training to employment, with BOI’s procurement documents explicitly requiring training providers to have partnerships or arrangements capable of supporting job placement for beneficiaries.

Who Can Apply?

The current programme information indicates that eligible applicants should:

• Be 15 to 35 years old.
• Be a Nigerian resident.
• Be interested in developing practical digital, creative or BPO skills.
• Be willing to participate in the training programme.
• Be ready to pursue employment, freelancing, entrepreneurship or other economic opportunities after training.

There is no application fee for the free training opportunity.

300,000 Opportunities Across Nigeria

With a target of 300,000 training places, the initiative is positioned as one of the Federal Government’s major youth skills interventions for 2026.

For young Nigerians facing limited employment opportunities, the programme could provide a pathway to acquire marketable skills without paying tuition and, importantly, move from training towards actual work.

The programme is currently being rolled out across the six geopolitical zones, with applications already announced for different regions and states.

How to Apply

Interested Nigerians can apply through the official iDICE Skills Training-to-Jobs platform:

Apply for the iDICE Skills Training-to-Jobs Programme

Applicants should use the official platform and provide accurate information when completing their applications.

For young people looking to build careers in technology, digital services, creative work or business outsourcing, the programme offers an opportunity to gain free training while positioning for employment and income-generating opportunities.