By Abbas Nazil
In a major step towards reducing youth unemployment and promoting climate action, the Oando Foundation in partnership with the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre (NCIC) has launched the Green Youth Upskilling Programme (GYUP), an initiative aimed at equipping young Nigerians with practical skills in renewable energy and sustainable waste management.
The nine-month programme, which targets 25 selected youths from over 8,000 applicants, offers intensive hands-on training, mentorship, entrepreneurship support, and seed funding to develop viable green businesses.
Speaking during the launch, Head of the Oando Foundation, Ms. Tonia Uduimoh, said the programme is designed to address two pressing national challenges — youth unemployment and environmental vulnerability.
She explained that the GYUP initiative is a key component of the Foundation’s LEARNOVATE strategy, particularly its PLANET pillar, which focuses on fostering climate-sensitive and inclusive education.
According to her, the aim is not only to train the youth but to empower them as green economy professionals and job creators.
“These 25 exceptional youth will undergo rigorous training and receive the support they need to become agents of change in their communities, offering real-world solutions in renewable energy and the circular economy,” Uduimoh stated.
Chief Executive Officer of NCIC, Mr. Bankole Oloruntoba, highlighted that the initiative is the result of over two years of planning and engagement with stakeholders.
He noted that Nigeria’s green economy faces a critical shortage of skilled talent needed to implement climate-related solutions, despite the sector’s immense potential.
“To build a sustainable climate economy, we must close the technical skill gap between ambition and execution,” Oloruntoba said.
He explained that the GYUP programme will proceed in three phases — sector mapping and stakeholder engagement, technical training and apprenticeship, and a grant scheme for outstanding participants.
Training modules also include entrepreneurship development and soft skills to prepare participants for both employment and business ownership.
He added that all 25 trainees will undergo apprenticeships to gain industry experience, while 10 of the most promising startups emerging from the programme will receive catalytic funding to support their launch.
Oloruntoba encouraged the participants to take full advantage of the opportunity, describing the programme as more than just training, but a launchpad for the future of green jobs in Nigeria.
“This is about creating future consultants, technicians, and innovators who will play a key role in shaping Nigeria’s green future,” he said.
He urged the youth to see themselves as contributors to the country’s economic transformation through renewable energy and sustainability initiatives.
The GYUP programme is expected to produce 25 functional green businesses by the end of the training cycle, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s transition to a cleaner, job-rich economy.
