Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have entered into a landmark agreement to collaborate on digital education and skills development, in a move aimed at empowering young Nigerians to compete and thrive in the global digital economy.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formally signed on Wednesday in Dubai between Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the UAE Digital School, a key initiative under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI).
Under the agreement, both nations will work together to expand access to digital learning and practical skills training for Nigerian youth through the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) — a platform dedicated to equipping young people with relevant 21st-century skills.
The partnership builds on earlier engagements held in July 2025 between Nigeria’s Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, and senior UAE government officials, as well as development partners.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Olawande described the pact as “a major milestone” in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to prepare its youth for meaningful participation in the digital age.
“This collaboration promises to equip Nigerian youth with the skills, tools, and opportunities they need to thrive in a fast-changing digital world,” he said.
Expressing appreciation to the UAE government and its people, Olawande added: “What we celebrate today goes beyond Nigeria. It stands as a symbol of shared responsibility, shared progress, and shared hope for the youth of both nations.”
The UAE Digital School, led by Dr. Waleed Al Ali, is one of MBRGI’s flagship projects, offering cutting-edge digital education solutions to underserved communities around the world. Through this partnership, Nigeria will tap into the school’s advanced digital infrastructure, learning resources, and technical expertise to enhance digital inclusion and literacy nationwide.
Olawande also acknowledged the role of the ministry’s technical partner, Sapphital Limited, for its steadfast contribution to the success of the Nigerian Youth Academy and other youth empowerment programmes.
He commended his team at the Ministry of Youth Development for their dedication to delivering the initiative, emphasizing that the collaboration aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of building a knowledge-driven economy powered by skilled and innovative young Nigerians.
“This partnership signals our readiness to take bold steps that ensure every Nigerian youth has a place in the digital future,” the minister said.