Partnership Framework
1. Government Partnerships
• Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development: Policy alignment and co-funding
• National Directorate of Employment (NDE): Trainee recruitment and stipend support
• NIRSAL Microfinance bank
• Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN): capacity building, business development services, and empowerment programmes
• Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN): Provides programs to support SMEs financially and through capacity building, such as the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund (MSMEDF), SMEEIS and others that typically include business development components
• NAPTIN & NBTE: Curriculum accreditation and certification
• State Governments: Land, facilities, and local counterpart funding
• Industrial Training Fund (ITF): skills acquisition and industrial/technical training which benefits SMEs through workforce development and practical skills programmes
• National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA): Implements digital skills and entrepreneurial tech training initiatives
• National Social Investment Programs (NSIP) + GEEP: entrepreneurship and small business start-up training and financing at the grassroots level
• NYSC: Deploying corps members as training assistants
2. Private Sector Partnerships
• Tech Companies: MTN, Airtel, Microsoft, Google Social Impact
• Reduction in rural-urban migration through local opportunity creation
• Youth engagement in productive activities reduces security risks
• Women's empowerment through economic independence
• Technology adoption in traditionally underserved sectors
• Environmental sustainability through green economy skills
BUDGET SUMMARY
Total Program Cost: ₦1.968 Billion (3 years)
Category Amount (₦) % of Budget
Training delivery & curriculum 1.44B 73%
Operations & management 336M 17%
Monitoring, evaluation & research 192M 10%
MONITORING & EVALUATION FRAMEWORK
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Training Quality:
• Completion rate: ≥80%
• Skills assessment pass rate: ≥85%
• Trainee satisfaction score: ≥4.2/5.0
Employment Outcomes:
• Employment within 6 months: ≥75%
• Average income increase: ≥150% vs. pre-training
• Business survival (12 months): ≥60%
Social Impact:
• Female participation: ≥50%
• Beneficiaries from poorest quintile: ≥40%
• Rural beneficiaries: ≥35%
SUSTAINABILITY & SCALE
Program Sustainability Beyond 3 Years
1. Self-Sustaining Training Centers by Year 3, regional hubs generate revenue through:
• Fee-based training for private individuals and corporates
• Production center outputs (agriculture, manufacturing)
• Equipment rental to businesses
• Technical consultancy services
2. Master Trainer Network 150 certified trainers continue operations independently or through franchises, expanding reach without central funding.
3. Graduate Associations Alumni networks provide mentorship, market linkages, and peer support, creating self-reinforcing ecosystems.
4. Government Integration Training curriculum and certification adopted by state TVET systems, ensuring continuity.
National Scale-Up Potential
The RISE model is designed for replication across Nigeria:
• South-South adaptation for oil-dependent communities
• Southeast version focused on manufacturing and export
• Southwest enhancement of existing tech ecosystems
Evaluation Methods
• Baseline & endline surveys for all trainees
• Tracer studies at 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-graduation
• Quarterly employer satisfaction surveys
• Annual impact assessments by independent evaluators
• Real-time data dashboard tracking all KPIs
WHAT ROLE THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD PLAY TO MAKE THIS PROJECT SUCCEED (CRITICAL SUCCESS INPUTS)
A. Policy, Legal & Institutional Support
Government must:
• Endorse the programme formally (Executive approval / MOU)
• Align the project with national & state development plans (e.g. Youth Employment, Poverty Reduction, Skills Agenda)
• Designate a lead coordinating ministry or agency (e.g. Ministry of Youth, Education, Labour)
B. Training Infrastructure & Facilities
Government should provide:
• Technical colleges, halls, vocational centres & skills hubs
• Classrooms, workshops, farms, ICT labs
• Under-utilized public buildings converted to training centres
• Hostels or accommodation (where possible)
C. Targeting, Mobilization & Data Government must:
• Provide accurate unemployment & youth data
• Mobilize participants through LGAs, traditional institutions & community leaders
• Support transparent beneficiary selection
• Ensure inclusion of:
o Women
o Persons with disabilities
o Out-of-school youth
o IDPs (where applicable)
D. Certification, Accreditation & Quality Assurance
Government should:
• Accredit training curricula
• Certify graduates through relevant authorities
• Ensure national recognition of skills acquired
• Align training with labor market standards
E. Private Sector & Market Linkages
Government must use its convening power to:
• Bring in employers, chambers of commerce & industry groups
• Mandate internship/apprenticeship placements
• Support offtake agreements for trained entrepreneurs
• Promote local procurement from programme beneficiaries
F. Monitoring, Evaluation & Sustainability
Government should:
• Participate in joint monitoring committees
• Support impact evaluation
• Institutionalize the programme into government systems
• Scale successful pilots to other age groups
G. KEY DELIVERABLES REQUEST FROM THE GOVERNMENT
When engaging governors or ministers, request:
1. Official programme endorsement
2. Consider dedicated budget line (3 years)
3. Training facilities & infrastructure
4. Policy backing for private sector participation
5. Monitoring & sustainability framework
6. Security for the trainers
7. Accommodation
8. Mobility
H. WHY THIS MODEL WORKS FOR NORTHERN STATES
• Addresses security through employment
• Reduces poverty-driven radicalization
• Builds local economic resilience
• Strengthens SMEs and the informal sector
• Creates long-term social stability
CALL TO ACTION
Northern Nigeria's youth are not a burden; they are an untapped asset. With the right skills, tools, and support, they can drive economic transformation across the region.
Investment Opportunities
For Government:
• Co-funding arrangement with Federal and State governments
• Integration with existing NDE and NYSC programs, etc.
• Policy support for graduate business registration and access to finance
For Private Sector:
• Sponsored training tracks aligned with company needs
• Guaranteed pipeline of skilled workers
• CSR impact with measurable outcomes
• Tax incentives for participating companies
NEXT STEPS
Immediate Actions (Months 1-3)
1. Secure anchor commitment from partners
2. Finalize partnership MoUs with state governments
3. Establish program management unit and recruit a core team
4. Complete detailed site assessments for 3 Phase 1 states
5. Begin arrangement for hub infrastructure and equipment
Phase 1 Launch (Month 4)
• Inauguration in various states, especially Gombe and Jigawa state
• Recruitment of first cohort (5,000 trainees)
• Training commencement across priority tracks
Reporting & Engagement
• Quarterly progress reports to all stakeholders
• Annual impact assessment and public reporting
• Regular stakeholder convenings and learning exchanges