The Federal Government of Nigeria has opened applications for the iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Programme 2026, an initiative designed to equip 300,000 young Nigerians with digital, creative, Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and workplace skills.
The programme is being implemented under the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme by the Bank of Industry (BOI), with support from the African Development Bank (AfDB), Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).
300,000 Training Opportunities Nationwide
The Skills-to-Jobs programme will provide 50,000 training opportunities in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, covering all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
At least 40 per cent of beneficiaries are expected to be women, while persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups are encouraged to participate.
Programme Details
- Programme: iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Programme
- Target beneficiaries: 300,000 young Nigerians
- Age: 15–35 years
- Coverage: 36 states and the FCT
- Training allocation: 50,000 per geopolitical zone
- Focus areas: Digital, creative, BPO and workplace skills
- Women participation target: At least 40%
- Application fee: Free
- Implementing agency: Bank of Industry
- Parent programme: Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE)
What Is the iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Programme?
The iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Programme is a skills development initiative focused on preparing young Nigerians for employment and career opportunities in Nigeria’s growing digital and creative economy.
Unlike programmes focused solely on technical training, the initiative combines industry-relevant digital and creative skills with workplace and employability competencies.
Training will be delivered through accredited providers, with programmes designed around industry requirements and opportunities in areas such as digital services, creative industries and Business Process Outsourcing.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to Nigerians who:
- Are between 15 and 35 years old;
- Reside in Nigeria;
- Have an interest in digital or creative careers;
- Are willing to complete the required training; and
- Meet the applicable requirements for their selected programme pathway.
Persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups are also encouraged to apply.
What Will Participants Learn?
Successful applicants can receive practical training in areas relevant to the digital and creative economy.
The training may cover:
- Digital skills;
- Creative skills;
- Business Process Outsourcing;
- Digital services;
- Workplace skills;
- Employability competencies; and
- Other industry-relevant disciplines.
The specific training available may vary according to the applicant’s location, training provider and programme pathway.
Focus on Business Process Outsourcing
A major component of the initiative is preparing young Nigerians for opportunities in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector.
BPO involves organisations engaging external professionals or service providers to handle specific business functions.
Depending on the role, opportunities in the sector may include customer support, digital operations, administrative services, technology services and other business functions.
The programme therefore seeks to develop both technical and workplace competencies that can help participants compete for opportunities within Nigeria’s BPO ecosystem and the wider global digital economy.
Training Allocation Across the Six Geopolitical Zones
The programme has allocated 50,000 training slots to each geopolitical zone.
North Central – 50,000 Slots
- Benue
- Kogi
- Kwara
- Nasarawa
- Niger
- Plateau
- Federal Capital Territory
North East – 50,000 Slots
- Adamawa
- Bauchi
- Borno
- Gombe
- Taraba
- Yobe
North West – 50,000 Slots
- Jigawa
- Kaduna
- Kano
- Katsina
- Kebbi
- Sokoto
- Zamfara
South East – 50,000 Slots
- Abia
- Anambra
- Ebonyi
- Enugu
- Imo
South South – 50,000 Slots
- Akwa Ibom
- Bayelsa
- Cross River
- Delta
- Edo
- Rivers
South West – 50,000 Slots
- Ekiti
- Lagos
- Ogun
- Ondo
- Osun
- Oyo
Applicants are expected to apply through the pathway corresponding to their state of residence.
Benefits of the Programme
Successful participants may have the opportunity to:
- Acquire industry-focused digital and creative skills;
- Develop in-demand technical competencies;
- Build workplace-ready skills;
- Improve their employability;
- Gain skills relevant to the BPO and digital services sectors;
- Learn from trainers and industry professionals;
- Prepare for opportunities in Nigeria’s digital economy;
- Develop skills applicable to the global outsourcing market; and
- Access pathways that may connect trained participants with employment opportunities.
Important: Participation in the programme does not constitute an automatic job offer. Employment outcomes will depend on available opportunities, individual performance and applicable recruitment requirements.
Women and Inclusive Participation
The programme targets at least 40 per cent female participation as part of efforts to broaden access to Nigeria’s digital and creative economy.
Persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups are also encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should:
- Visit the official iDICE Skills-to-Jobs application platform.
- Review the eligibility requirements.
- Identify the geopolitical zone covering their state of residence.
- Select the appropriate application pathway.
- Complete the required information.
- Carefully review the information provided.
- Submit the application.
Application is free. Applicants should use only the official iDICE application platform and avoid paying anyone to submit an application on their behalf.
About iDICE
The Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme is a Federal Government initiative focused on developing Nigeria’s technology and creative sectors.
The broader programme supports areas including skills development, entrepreneurship, innovation, startups and job creation within the country’s digital and creative economy.
The Bank of Industry serves as the implementing agency, while international development institutions including the African Development Bank, Agence Française de Développement and Islamic Development Bank provide development and financial support.
Application Link
Interested young Nigerians should apply through the official iDICE Skills-to-Jobs application platform and confirm all requirements before submitting their applications.
Application Fee: FREE.
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