Nigeria Partners with Duke of Edinburgh Foundation to Advance Youth Skills Development
In a significant move to enhance skills development among Nigerian youth, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, met with His Royal Highness Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, during a sideline engagement at the annual Education World Forum.
The Duke, who serves as Chair of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Foundation, convened a select group of education ministers attending the global summit to deliberate on strategies for equipping young people with practical competencies. The discussions spanned skill-building initiatives from foundational learning through to university education, with a strong emphasis on empowering the estimated 80% of youth who may not proceed to tertiary institutions.
The Duke of Edinburgh Foundation, active in nearly 120 countries including Nigeria, promotes youth development through hands-on experiences and life skills training. Its global mission aligns closely with Nigeria’s National Education Strategy for Reform and Innovation (NESRI), particularly the government’s forthcoming Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme, set to launch on May 30, 2025.
“This partnership signals a convergence of vision—to uplift Nigerian youth with the tools they need to thrive in today’s world,” Dr. Alausa noted.
The Foundation’s award programme, recognized internationally, is structured around four pillars: the acquisition of a skill, participation in physical activities, commitment to volunteer work, and the completion of adventurous challenges at bronze, silver, or gold levels. Young participants who meet these criteria may become eligible for enrichment-focused scholarships.
The collaboration also sets the stage for Nigeria to host the next Duke of Edinburgh International Forum in Lagos, November 2025. Dr. Alausa confirmed his attendance and expressed the Ministry’s commitment to deepening this partnership.
This alliance supports Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes equipping the country’s youth with essential life skills. As President Bola Tinubu has often remarked, “The youth are the heartbeat of the country.” This initiative underscores a national resolve to empower the next generation to contribute meaningfully to their communities, the nation, and the world at large.