The Federal Government’s iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Programme 2026 is providing free skills training opportunities for young Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 35 years. The programme is designed to help participants develop practical digital, creative, technical, business and workplace skills that can improve their chances of finding employment or starting an income-generating venture.
According to the programme information provided, 300,000 training opportunities are available across Nigeria, covering all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The initiative also has a strong inclusion focus, with women, persons with disabilities and other eligible groups encouraged to participate. At least 40 percent participation is targeted for women.
Applications are free, and eligible applicants are advised to register through the designated application platform.
What is the iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Programme?
The iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Programme is a skills development initiative aimed at helping young Nigerians gain practical skills that are relevant to today’s employment and business environment.
Rather than focusing only on classroom-based learning, the programme covers areas linked to digital services, creative industries, Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), entrepreneurship and workplace skills.
The broader goal is to help young people become better prepared for employment, internships, freelancing, entrepreneurship and other income opportunities.
The programme is being implemented by the Bank of Industry (BOI) as part of the Federal Government’s iDICE initiative.
How Many People Will Benefit?
The programme is targeting 300,000 young Nigerians nationwide.
The available opportunities are distributed across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with 50,000 training slots allocated to each zone.
The coverage includes:
- North Central
- North East
- North West
- South East
- South South
- South West
The programme covers all 36 states and the FCT.
This nationwide structure means that eligible young people do not necessarily need to relocate to another part of the country to be considered for the opportunity.
Who Can Apply for iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Training?
The programme is open to Nigerian citizens who meet the stated age and residency requirements.
Applicants should generally:
- Be Nigerian citizens.
- Be between 15 and 35 years old.
- Be residing in Nigeria.
- Have an interest in acquiring useful employment or business skills.
- Be willing to participate in the required training.
- Provide accurate information during registration.
The programme also welcomes applications from women and persons with disabilities.
Students, graduates, job seekers, creatives, artisans and entrepreneurs who fall within the required age range can consider applying for a suitable training pathway.
Applicants should, however, carefully read the requirements on the official application platform before submitting their forms.
What Skills Can You Learn?
One of the major attractions of the iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Programme is the range of training areas available.
The programme information lists digital skills, creative industry skills, BPO and workplace or employability skills among its major areas.
Some of the specific areas mentioned include:
1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Participants interested in emerging technology can explore areas related to artificial intelligence and machine learning.
These are rapidly developing fields with applications in business, software, data analysis and other industries.
2. Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity skills are increasingly important as businesses, government agencies and individuals rely more heavily on digital systems.
Training in this area can introduce participants to concepts related to protecting systems, information and digital services.
3. Cloud Engineering
Cloud technology is widely used to store, process and manage digital information.
Participants interested in IT infrastructure and technology services can consider cloud engineering as one of the available areas.
4. Software Development
The programme also lists frontend and backend engineering among its training areas.
This can be useful for young people who want to learn how websites, applications and other software products are developed.
5. Data Analytics and Data Science
Data skills are used across many industries.
Participants interested in working with information, statistics and technology can explore data analytics and data science.
6. UI/UX and Product Design
UI/UX focuses on how people interact with websites, applications and digital products.
It can be an option for applicants with an interest in design, technology and digital products.
7. Digital Marketing
Digital marketing covers the use of online channels to promote businesses, products and services.
It can be particularly useful to entrepreneurs and people interested in working with businesses online.
8. Social Media Management
Social media management involves creating, organising and managing content for social platforms.
This is another area that can be useful for businesses, organisations, brands and independent creators.
9. Graphic Design
Graphic design is applicable to advertising, branding, social media content, publishing and other creative work.
Applicants with an interest in visual communication may find this pathway useful.
10. Creative and Practical Skills
The programme information also mentions areas such as:
- 3D animation
- Motion graphics
- Content creation
- Illustration
- Fashion design
- Pattern drafting
- Culinary arts and food production
- Animation and creative production
- Leather and footwear
- Automotive
- Solar and green technology
The actual training options available to an applicant may depend on the relevant programme pathway and location.
Business and Entrepreneurship Skills
The programme is not limited to technology.
A separate pathway focuses on business and entrepreneurship, including areas such as:
- Business development
- Financial management
- Sales
- Digital commerce
- Market access
- Enterprise management
These skills can be useful for young Nigerians who already operate small businesses or are planning to start one.
For example, learning basic financial management can help a small business owner understand expenses, pricing and cash flow. Sales and digital commerce skills can also help businesses reach customers beyond their immediate location.
The South East coverage includes:
- Abia
- Anambra
- Ebonyi
- Enugu
- Imo
North Central
50,000 Training Slots
- Benue
- Kogi
- Kwara
- Nasarawa
- Niger
- Plateau
- FCT
North East
50,000 Training Slots
- Adamawa
- Bauchi
- Borno
- Gombe
- Taraba
- Yobe
North West
50,000 Training Slots
- Jigawa
- Kaduna
- Kano
- Katsina
- Kebbi
- Sokoto
- Zamfara
South South
50,000 Training Slots
- Akwa Ibom
- Bayelsa
- Cross River,
- Delta
- Edo
- Rivers
South West
50,000 Training Slots
- Ekiti
- Lagos
- Ogun
- Ondo
- Osun
- Oyo
Applicants from the region can choose from pathways covering digital and online skills, applied technology and trades, and business and entrepreneurship.
The digital pathway includes areas such as BPO/customer experience, virtual assistance, digital marketing, data, IT support, software and other digital services.
The applied technology and trades pathway includes areas such as animation and creative production, fashion, leather and footwear, automotive, solar and green technology.
Benefits of the iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Programme
The programme information lists several potential benefits for participants.
These include:
Free Laptop
A laptop is listed as a benefit for participants. This can be particularly useful for people receiving digital training because access to a computer is important for practising many technology-related skills.
Job Placement Opportunities
The programme is designed to create pathways into employment and job opportunities.
However, applicants should understand that participating in the programme does not mean automatic employment is guaranteed.
Internship Opportunities
Internship pathways are also listed among the programme benefits.
An internship can provide participants with practical exposure and an opportunity to apply what they learned during training.
Certificates
Participants can receive certification associated with the programme after meeting the relevant training requirements.
Cash Prizes
Cash prizes are also listed among the programme benefits. Applicants should rely on the official programme information for details about eligibility, conditions and how such prizes are awarded.
Is the iDICE Application Free?
Yes. The application is stated to be free.
Applicants should be cautious if anyone asks them to pay money before they can register for the programme.
Do not pay an individual who claims to be an agent or promises guaranteed selection.
Use the official application channel and provide your information directly through the designated platform.
How to Apply for iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Programme 2026
Eligible applicants can apply online through the programme’s application platform.
Step 1: Visit the Application Portal
Go to the official iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Portal:
https://idice.ng/skills-training-to-jobs
Or
https://bit.ly/4xLIVG
Step 2: Select Your Region or Zone
Follow the instructions provided on the platform and select the relevant geopolitical zone or application pathway.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
Enter the requested information carefully.
Make sure your personal details are accurate before proceeding.
Step 4: Review Your Information
Check your name, contact details, age, location and other information before submitting the form.
Mistakes in important personal information can create problems later.
Step 5: Submit the Application
After checking the information, submit the application and keep any confirmation or reference details provided by the platform.
Applicants should verify that they are using the correct platform before submitting personal information.
Important Things Applicants Should Know
Before applying, there are a few points worth keeping in mind.
The programme is free. You should not have to pay a registration fee to apply.
Selection is not automatic. Meeting the age requirement does not necessarily mean every applicant will be selected.
Training does not equal guaranteed employment. The programme provides skills and pathways to employment, internships and entrepreneurship, but applicants should not interpret this as a promise of a job for every participant.
Use accurate information. Avoid submitting false details because information may be checked during the selection or training process.
Keep your application details safe. Do not share passwords, verification codes or other sensitive account information with strangers.
Apply through the correct portal. Recruitment and training scams often use fake forms and social media accounts to collect personal information or money.
iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Programme and Women
Women are an important target group under the programme, with an at least 40 percent participation target.
Young women interested in technology, creative work, entrepreneurship, digital services or other listed training areas are encouraged to consider applying if they meet the requirements.
The inclusion of women can help widen access to skills that may support employment, freelancing and business opportunities.
Can Persons with Disabilities Apply?
Yes. Persons with disabilities are specifically welcomed under the programme information.
Eligible applicants with disabilities can apply and should follow the instructions provided on the official application platform regarding any support or accessibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Programme 2026?
It is a Federal Government skills development programme aimed at providing training opportunities to young Nigerians aged 15 to 35 in digital, creative, BPO, technical, business and workplace skills.
How many people are targeted?
The programme is targeting 300,000 young Nigerians nationwide, with 50,000 opportunities allocated to each of the six geopolitical zones.
What is the age requirement?
Applicants should be between 15 and 35 years old.
Is the iDICE application free?
Yes. The application is stated to be free.
Can someone from any Nigerian state apply?
The programme is designed to cover all 36 states and the FCT.
Are women eligible?
Yes. Women are encouraged to apply, with an at least 40 percent participation target.
Can persons with disabilities apply?
Yes. Persons with disabilities are among the groups encouraged to participate.
Will every successful trainee get a job?
Not necessarily. The programme provides pathways to employment, internships and entrepreneurship, but training participation should not be understood as an automatic job guarantee.
What can I learn through the programme?
Training areas include digital skills, AI, cybersecurity, cloud engineering, software development, data analytics, UI/UX, digital marketing, creative skills, BPO, entrepreneurship and workplace skills, among others.
Is there a stated application deadline?
The information provided does not state a specific deadline. Applicants are therefore advised to apply early and check the official platform for any updates.
The iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Programme 2026 could be a useful opportunity for young Nigerians who want to build practical skills without paying for the initial training.
With opportunities spread across the country’s six geopolitical zones, the programme covers a wide range of interests, from artificial intelligence and software development to fashion, creative production, entrepreneurship and digital services.
If you meet the 15–35 age requirement, live in Nigeria and are interested in developing a marketable skill, check the official application platform and follow the registration instructions carefully.
Most importantly, do not pay anyone who claims they can guarantee your selection. Use the official application channels, provide truthful information and keep your registration details safe.
The programme is intended to improve access to skills and employment pathways, but applicants should approach it realistically. Completing training can strengthen your skills and create opportunities, but building a career or business will still require continued learning, practice and effort.
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