The Federal Government has officially opened applications for the iDICE Skills Training to Jobs Programme 2026, targeting 30,000 Nigerian youths with free digital and creative skills training. The programme is designed to provide practical, employment-focused training in fields such as animation, film, fashion, Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), and entrepreneurship, with no cost to successful applicants.
Implemented under the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme, a Federal Government-backed initiative, the scheme aims to strengthen Nigeria’s technology and creative economy through skills development, entrepreneurship, financing, and ecosystem support. The application portal is now live, and interested youths are encouraged to apply before the deadline.
What the iDICE Programme Offers
The Skills Training to Jobs Programme is structured to give participants practical, career-focused learning that aligns with the demands of Nigeria’s expanding digital economy. Successful applicants will benefit from free digital and creative skills training, career development support, and exposure to employment opportunities.
Beyond the training component, iDICE also supports incubation, mentorship, and entrepreneurship development for young Nigerians pursuing opportunities in technology and the creative industries. This holistic approach aims to equip participants with skills that can be used to secure jobs, pursue freelancing opportunities, or start their own businesses.
Programme Targets 300,000 Training Opportunities
The broader iDICE programme has an ambitious target of creating 300,000 training opportunities for Nigerian youths. This initiative is intended to help participants develop skills that are directly relevant to the digital economy, which is becoming increasingly important as more businesses adopt technology and young Nigerians explore employment options beyond traditional workplaces.
For young people facing a competitive job market, the programme provides a chance to gain practical skills without paying tuition fees. The training is fully funded, making it accessible to a wide range of applicants, including students, recent graduates, job seekers, and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is particularly relevant to Nigerian youths interested in developing skills for employment and entrepreneurship. Potential beneficiaries include young Nigerians seeking digital skills, students and recent graduates, job seekers looking to improve their employability, aspiring technology entrepreneurs, young creatives, and Nigerians interested in freelancing and remote work.
The broader iDICE initiative also identifies young entrepreneurs and students among its target beneficiaries. Applicants are advised to provide accurate information and carefully follow the instructions published on the official portal.
Skills and Sectors Covered
The iDICE programme covers several areas within Nigeria’s digital and creative economy. These include technology and digital skills, digital media, animation, gaming, fashion, design, film, music, and entrepreneurship. Additionally, the initiative includes Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) training, which is aimed at equipping Nigerians with skills that can support participation in global freelancing and remote-work opportunities.
By combining skills training with career support and wider entrepreneurship initiatives, iDICE seeks to help participants turn their knowledge into jobs, freelance income, or businesses. The application process is free, and applicants are warned to be cautious of anyone demanding payment in exchange for access to the programme.
How to Apply
Interested Nigerian youths should visit the official iDICE programme application portal to check eligibility requirements, available training opportunities, and application instructions. The application deadline and available training cohorts may vary, so prospective applicants should check the official programme portal for the latest information before submitting an application.
The Federal Government has also opened applications for free training in artificial intelligence, makeup, and fashion design under the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS) programme in Oyo State. This registration was announced by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre on X, providing another avenue for young Nigerians to acquire technical and vocational skills without paying training fees.
