Hon. Unyime Idem, representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency and Chair of the House Committee on Public Procurement, has sponsored the 16th batch of six Akwa Ibom youths to China for advanced training.
The fully funded program focuses on data infrastructure construction, application technologies, and low-carbon development.
This initiative is part of his broader pledge to train at least 100 young indigenes in globally relevant skills. Idem emphasized that global exposure and international training are key to building competitiveness and self-reliance, just as his own career has been shaped by such opportunities.
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Bridging the Skills Gap
Nigeria faces a youth unemployment rate of over 40%. Training programs in cutting-edge fields like data infrastructure and low-carbon technologies provide young Nigerians with skills that are highly demanded globally.
By targeting areas aligned with the digital economy and green transition, this initiative helps ensure relevance in industries driving global growth.
Exposure to international best practices equips participants to compete not only within Nigeria but also in the wider African and global markets.
This builds a talent pipeline that can attract foreign investment, since investors often seek local professionals who understand both global standards and local contexts.
Each trained youth can mentor or employ others upon return, creating a ripple effect in knowledge transfer and job creation.
For instance, if each of the 100 trained youths later trains or employs 10 others, that’s 1,000 indirect beneficiaries.
Participants will return with practical expertise, making them eligible for higher-paying jobs, startup opportunities, or consultancy roles in ICT and renewable sectors.
Trained cohorts can establish tech hubs, green businesses, or data-driven enterprises, fostering entrepreneurship and reducing reliance on government jobs. A network of internationally trained Akwa Ibom youths could position the state as a regional hub for digital infrastructure and green technology This could directly contribute to Nigeria’s GDP diversification and sustainable development.
