The Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Genius Hub, Isimeme Whyte, has called for stronger investment in digital and practical skills to address rising youth unemployment, as the world marks World Youth Skills Day 2025.

Whyte highlighted the urgent need to equip young Nigerians with the capabilities to navigate an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and technology.

“Every year on July 15, the world marks World Youth Skills Day, a global moment to spotlight the transformative power of skills acquisition in empowering young people for a dignified life and a resilient future,” Whyte said.

She noted that this year’s theme, “AI and Digital Skills for a Resilient Future,” aligns with Genius Hub’s efforts in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and EdTech. According to her, the organisation’s hybrid training platform combines vocational skills, digital tools, entrepreneurship and mentorship to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the demands of the labour market.

“Through our hybrid TVET platform, we blend practical vocational skills with digital tools, entrepreneurship training, and mentorship—bridging the gap between classroom and career,” she added.

Whyte mentioned that since its inception, Genius Hub says it has trained over 35,000 youths and women nationwide in creative and tech sectors including fashion design, hairdressing, wig-making, catering, graphic design, web development, product design, UI/UX, data analysis, virtual assistance, and filmmaking.

Whyte cited individual success stories like Odion, a 28-year-old returnee who joined with no digital background but now runs her own wig-making business using e-commerce and AI-driven marketing.

She said the results align with global development goals: “In line with SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 5 – Gender Equality, and SDG 1 – No Poverty, Genius Hub continues to deliver results.” According to her, 29 per cent of trainees have secured jobs, 48 per cent are on internships and efforts are ongoing to engage the remaining 23 per cent.

Whyte acknowledged the role of partners including the Federal Government, GIZ, EU IOM, ITF, SOS Children’s Village, ActionAid Nigeria, NAPTIP and others, stressing that the programmes are accredited by NABTEB and the National Skills Qualification (NSQ). She revealed that Genius Hub has also been recognised by UN Women for innovation in technology and women’s empowerment.

Calling for collective action, Whyte urged policymakers, parents and institutions to make skills training a priority. “Through our ‘Skills to Job,’ ‘Skills to Work,’ and ‘Skills to Wealth’ components, Genius Hub is building a generation ready for the future of work—one where creativity meets technology, and dignity meets opportunity,” she said.