Edo State Government Opens Applications for Youth Skills Empowerment Programme 2026 | Monthly Stipend & UK Certification

The Edo State Government, in collaboration with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), has officially opened applications for the Edo Youths Skills Empowerment Programme 2026, a major vocational and technical training initiative aimed at equipping young people across the state with practical, industry-relevant skills and internationally recognized certifications.

The programme, implemented under the ITF Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) Initiative and supported by the Edo State Ministry of Youth Affairs, seeks to reduce youth unemployment by providing participants with hands-on training, entrepreneurship support, and pathways to sustainable employment.

Eligible youths from across Edo State are encouraged to apply before the registration deadline.

About the Edo Youths Skills Empowerment Programme

The Edo Youths Skills Empowerment Programme is designed to prepare young people for opportunities in both the local and global labour markets by providing modern vocational and technical education.

Rather than focusing solely on theoretical instruction, the programme emphasizes practical training, industry standards, and professional certification, enabling participants to acquire skills that can lead to paid employment or successful business ventures.

Training will be conducted across the three senatorial districts of Edo State, making the programme accessible to participants from different parts of the state.

Training Areas

Successful applicants will receive training in one of several high-demand vocational and technical fields, including:

• Welding and Fabrication
• Culinary Arts
• Leather Works
• Carpentry
• Auto Mechanics
• Poultry Farming
• Crop Production
• Animal Husbandry
• Scaffolding
• Plumbing
• Electrical Installation
• Sewing and Cutting
• Cybersecurity

These courses were selected to address current workforce demands while promoting entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities.

Duration of the Programme

The training programme will run for three months, combining classroom instruction with practical, hands-on experience.

Activities will take place across the three senatorial districts of Edo State to ensure broad participation and accessibility.

Benefits for Participants

Successful participants will enjoy several benefits, including:

• Monthly transportation stipend
• Two months of intensive practical skills training
• Six weeks of hands-on industry experience
• Project Management Certification
• City & Guilds (United Kingdom) professional certification
• Access to employment opportunities
• Entrepreneurship development support
• Exposure to internationally recognized industry standards

The internationally recognized certifications offered through the programme are expected to improve participants’ competitiveness in both Nigerian and international job markets.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the programme, applicants must:

• Be an indigene or resident youth of Edo State
• Possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN)
• Have an active and valid phone number

Applicants are advised to ensure that their contact information remains accessible throughout the application and selection process.

Why You Should Apply

Acquiring practical vocational skills has become increasingly important in today’s economy, where employers and industries seek individuals with hands-on technical expertise.

The Edo Youths Skills Empowerment Programme offers participants the opportunity to:

• Learn valuable, marketable skills
• Obtain internationally recognized certifications
• Improve their chances of employment
• Build sustainable businesses through entrepreneurship
• Develop practical experience that complements formal education
• Expand their professional opportunities within and outside Nigeria

For many young people, the programme could serve as a pathway toward financial independence and long-term career growth.

How to Apply

Interested and eligible applicants can register online through the official ITF SUPA registration portal.

Applicants who require assistance may also visit:

Edo State Ministry of Youth Affairs
Second Floor, Block B, Secretariat Building,
Benin City, Edo State.

They are encouraged to complete their registration early to avoid last-minute challenges.

Application Deadline

The organisers have announced that applications will close on:

🗓️ 21 June 2026

Interested applicants are advised to submit their applications before the deadline, as late submissions may not be considered.

How This Programme Can Benefit You

Youth unemployment remains one of the major socioeconomic challenges facing Nigeria. Programmes that combine technical education, entrepreneurship support, and internationally recognized certifications provide practical solutions by equipping young people with skills that can generate income and create employment opportunities.

The Edo Youths Skills Empowerment Programme reflects ongoing efforts by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and the Edo State Government to develop a highly skilled workforce capable of driving innovation, productivity, and economic development across the state.

By investing in vocational education and technical training, the initiative seeks to empower a new generation of artisans, entrepreneurs, and professionals who can contribute meaningfully to Edo State’s future.

Programme Summary

Young people across Edo State are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to acquire practical skills, earn internationally recognized certifications, and position themselves for better employment and business opportunities in the years ahead.