Apply Now: IEE Pathways Programme 2026 Opens Skills and Job Opportunities
Young Nigerians seeking to strengthen their employability, gain practical workplace experience or develop entrepreneurial skills can apply for the 2026 Inclusive Economic Empowerment (IEE) Pathways Programme.
The programme is being implemented by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) with support from the British Council under its Non-Formal Education Programme.
The initiative is designed to equip young people with practical enterprise and employability skills that can improve their chances of securing decent employment or building sustainable businesses.
For the current Kano cohort, 50 young people will be selected for the programme. Women and girls, as well as Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs), are particularly encouraged to apply.
What the Programme Offers
The IEE Pathways Programme combines foundational training with specialised learning based on participants’ career interests and goals.
The programme begins with an eight-week Foundation Phase, after which participants can proceed into specialised pathways focused on employment or enterprise development.
Applicants interested in employment will undertake an additional eight-week Employment Pathway, followed by a six-week supervised internship with a partner organisation. The internship is designed to give participants practical workplace exposure and an opportunity to apply the skills gained during training.
Those interested in entrepreneurship can pursue the enterprise-focused pathway, which is aimed at strengthening business capabilities and preparing participants to develop sustainable enterprises.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to Nigerian youths who meet the following requirements:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Be resident in Kano Metropolis or have accommodation in Kano for the duration of the programme.
- Possess at least an SSCE or equivalent qualification.
- Be able to communicate in English.
- Be available for both physical and online training sessions.
- Be willing to complete the six-week internship if applying through the Employment Pathway.
- Be available to participate in the required physical screening exercise.
Young women, girls, Persons Living with Disabilities, aspiring entrepreneurs and young people seeking employment are strongly encouraged to apply.
What Participants Stand to Gain
Successful participants will have the opportunity to:
- Build practical employability skills.
- Strengthen enterprise and entrepreneurship capabilities.
- Gain hands-on workplace experience through internship placement.
- Improve their readiness for employment.
- Develop professional networks.
- Acquire skills that can support sustainable business and income generation.
Application Deadline
Current opportunity listings place the application deadline at September 21, 2026, although another recent report lists September 18. Prospective applicants should therefore confirm the deadline displayed on the official application portal before submitting.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete the online application through the CITAD application platform and provide accurate information during the application process.
Apply through the CITAD application portal
Eligible applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible.
