In commemoration of World Youth Skills Day (WYSD) 2025, the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) is championing youth empowerment through the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital skills development, strengthening the close and expanding ties between Nigeria and China.

With this year’s theme, “Youth empowerment through AI and digital skills,” the NCSP is utilising its bilateral relationship with China to create opportunities for Nigerian youth via targeted skills acquisition programmes, aimed at boosting employability, entrepreneurship, and economic inclusion.

Speaking on the importance of the global day, NCSP Director General, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, emphasised that strategic collaboration with China facilitates technology transfer that fosters innovation, creativity, and productivity, particularly among young people.

“When we empower our youth with relevant digital skills, we do more than reduce unemployment; we build a more resilient economy,” Tegbe said.
“At NCSP, we are committed to building partnerships that translate into real opportunities, especially in the AI and digital sectors where the future of work lies.”

Tegbe observed that youth are a catalytic force for national development when provided with the right tools and platforms to succeed. This supports the United Nations’ 2014 declaration of World Youth Skills Day, which highlights the importance of education, technical training, and innovation in fostering inclusive growth.

He also emphasised the significance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in narrowing the digital divide, particularly for underserved communities. Through NCSP’s expanding collaborations with Chinese technology companies, digital hubs, and academic institutions, new initiatives are being introduced to prepare Nigerian youth for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

“We are aligning policy with practice, bringing together government institutions, private sector players, and international partners to create a pipeline of skilled talent for today and tomorrow,” Tegbe stated.

As Nigeria and China continue to expand their economic and diplomatic engagements, the NCSP remains committed to ensuring that both nations benefit equitably, particularly by positioning Nigeria’s youth to lead in innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.

This year’s WYSD observance is more than a celebration; it’s a call to action, a call to invest in our youth, embrace strategic partnerships, and build a digitally inclusive and globally competitive Nigeria.