As the world marks World Youth Skills Day on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, with the theme “Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills,” the Nigeria Online Media Alliance (NOMA) has called for a nationwide action aimed at tackling Nigeria’s youth digital skills deficit.
In a statement signed by NOMA’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Oluwamuyiwa Oyedele on Tuesday, the Chairperson of the Association, Theresa Moses, urged governments at all levels, corporate organizations, development partners, academic institutions, civil society, and the media to prioritize investments in digital learning, artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, and equitable access to ICT resources for Nigerian youth.
“We are sitting on a ticking time bomb if we continue to ignore the urgent need for AI and digital empowerment among our youth. This is no longer optional — it is a national emergency,” Moses warned.
Nigeria youth population, with nearly 60% of the total population, faces significant barriers to digital inclusion. According to recent statistics: Only 36% of Nigerians currently use the internet and insignificant 7% of youth possess basic ICT skills.
It also revealed: Only 15% have advanced digital competencies, and a staggering 31% of Nigerian youth are not in employment, education, or training (NEET).
This growing divide is particularly intriguing as the global economy rapidly shifts toward automation, green innovation, remote work, and AI-driven industries.
“With AI already transforming industries worldwide, Nigeria risks being left behind unless urgent, coordinated efforts are made to close the digital skills gap,” Moses added.
Media Advocacy, Real Stories, and Youth Voices
To commemorate this year’s World Youth Skills Day, NOMA and its media partners are launching a week-long advocacy campaign spotlighting young Nigerians who are applying AI and digital skills to create change in their communities. The campaign will also feature subject matter experts in digital learning and innovation, who will share insights on challenges and opportunities in the digital economy.
Moses emphasized the importance of amplifying youth voices, promoting positive success stories, and shaping policies and investments that create pathways to meaningful digital inclusion.
A National Call to Action
NOMA is urging key sectors of society to step up: Federal, State, and Local Governments to Strengthen digital education policies, scale programs such as the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, and integrate AI and ICT training into both formal and informal education systems.
Corporate Organizations: Support youth-focused innovation hubs, provide mentorship, and invest in digital internship and apprenticeship schemes.
Development Partners and Donors: Prioritize funding for technology-driven education and youth digital inclusion projects.
Academic Institutions: Embed digital literacy, AI, and emerging technologies into school curricula at all levels.
Media and Content Creators: Use storytelling platforms to promote awareness and inspire action through compelling narratives on digital transformation and youth empowerment.
“If we want inclusive economic growth, then AI and digital literacy must be recognized as a basic right not a privilege,” Moses said.
“Let this year’s World Youth Skills Day be the turning point. Together, let’s ensure Nigeria’s youth are truly WorkLifeReady.”
