FG, UNDP to recruit 20,000 unemployed graduates -VP Osinbajo
No fewer than 20,000 graduates are set to be employed under the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows programme.
An initiative of the Federal Government, and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is geared towards empowering Nigerian youths with skills and capacity.
Speaking at a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), virtual meeting monitored by our correspondent, Vice president of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, said the programme which is targeted at graduates would create internship opportunities.
He revealed that the president would soon do a formal inauguration of the fellowship programme, stressing that it would be in honour of the country’s independence.
Osinbajo said, “Who have recently concluded the youth service. These are fully paid intensive that will last for twelve (12) months.
“It will be in reputable private and public sector organization across the country. The idea is for participants to gain relevant career and life skills that will enable them transit seamlessly from professional business or public sector careers while also earning a living along the gap.
“It is our believe that this programme will breach the gap along the way; the skills and capacities of recent graduates and human resource demands of labour market connecting graduates with opportunities to earn as they learn in required cohorts.
“At the end the fellow is required to gain skills that can be used immediately. The programme is named in honour of the sixtieth anniversary of Nigeria independence and the plan is to start with 20,000 fellows in this first year.”
While lamenting the unemployment situation of Nigeria, The Vice president added, “Unemployment is a great problem, especially youth unemployment. 2,000,000 young people come to the job market every year.
“We absolutely must create good paying jobs, and create opportunities for the young people. This is a task complicated by numerous employability issues including a mismatch. Job losses as a result of digitalization requires relevant opportunities.”
Also speaking, Mohammad Yahya, UNDP resident representative said the programme would focus on the 36 states including the federal capital territory.
He revealed that the programme would put into cognisance gender, people living with disability.
“We are very excited it is led at the highest level in the office of the Vice president. Participants are already graduates and there are individual company that would ensure geopolitical presence.
“The idea is to make the programme competitive,” Yahya said.
