- The two countries signed an MoU in Dubai to expand digital learning and skill development opportunities for Nigerian youth.
- The partnership leverages the Nigerian Youth Academy and UAE Digital School to equip young Nigerians with tools and skills for the global digital economy.
- The collaboration taps UAE expertise and infrastructure to advance Nigeria’s digital transformation and prepare its youth for the future of work.
Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates reached an agreement yesterday to collaborate on digital education and skill development as part of their efforts towards deepening participation in the global digital economy.
The MoU was signed yesterday in Dubai at a formal ceremony, where the Federal Ministry of Youth Development signed for Nigeria, while UAE Digital School, under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, signed for the UAE.
This agreement is to further open up access to digital education and practical skill development to more Nigerian youths through the platform of Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA).
This partnership followed the earlier engagements held in July 2025 between the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, and key UAE government officials and development partners. Speaking during a signing ceremony, Olawande said the agreement marked a major milestone in Nigeria's effort to prepare its youth for active participation in the global digital economy.
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According to him, the collaboration would equip Nigerian youth with the skills, tools, and opportunities they need to thrive in a fast-changing digital world. He expressed appreciation to the government and people of the United Arab Emirates for their hospitality, leadership, and continued support for global development.
He said: “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, under the guidance of Dr. Waleed Al Ali, is one of the flagship initiatives by MBRGI to provide digital learning opportunities to underserved communities worldwide.
Through this partnership, Nigeria will tap into the school's digital infrastructure, resources, and expert knowledge for enhancing digital inclusion and education among the country's youth. Olawande also lauded the technical partner of the ministry, Sapphital Limited, for its commitment and contribution to the success of NiYA and other digital projects of the nation.
He further commended his team at the ministry for their commitment to seeing the initiative become a reality. This deal is, therefore, envisioned to fast-track Nigeria's digital transformation journey through access to modern and skill-based education that empowers the youth for the future of work.
