iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Programme 2026 — Federal Government Digital Skills Training for 300,000 Young Nigerians (North Central Zone)

If you're a young Nigerian looking to build practical digital, creative, or workplace skills at no cost, the iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Programme 2026 is a major Federal Government initiative worth applying for.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has opened applications for the iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Programme 2026, an initiative designed to equip 300,000 young Nigerians with digital, creative, Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and workplace skills. The programme is being implemented under the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme by the Bank of Industry (BOI), with support from the African Development Bank (AfDB), Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).

Applications are organised by geopolitical zone, meaning you apply through the specific zone covering your state of residence — the link you may have received (for example, the North Central registration form) is one of six regional application pathways.

What Is the iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Programme?

The Skills Training to Jobs Programme is designed to give participants practical, employment-focused training in areas relevant to Nigeria's expanding digital economy — combining skills training with career support and wider entrepreneurship initiatives to help participants turn their knowledge into jobs, freelance income or businesses.

Training areas include:

- Technology and digital skills

- Digital media

- Animation

- Gaming

- Fashion

- Design

- Film

- Music

- Entrepreneurship

How Big Is the Programme?

The Skills-to-Jobs programme will provide 50,000 training opportunities in each of Nigeria's six geopolitical zones , covering all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory — for an overall target of 300,000 young Nigerians nationwide.

At least 40% of beneficiaries are expected to be women, and persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups are specifically encouraged to participate as part of iDICE's wider effort to expand access to Nigeria's technology and creative industries.

Is This a Grant, Loan, or Training Programme?

This is a free skills training programme, not a cash grant or loan. There's no direct cash disbursed and no repayment obligation — the value is entirely in the training and the employment pathway support that follows it.

Applicants should note that access to employment pathways should not be interpreted as an automatic guarantee of employment after training — this is skills development with career support, not a guaranteed job placement.

Who Can Apply?

- Applicants must be between 15 and 35 years old

- Applicants must reside in Nigeria

- Eligible participants include students, recent graduates, job seekers, and young entrepreneurs looking to build careers in Nigeria's digital economy

- Applications are organised by geopolitical zone — you apply through the pathway covering your state of residence

What You Need Before Applying

1. Proof of Age — Confirm you fall within the 15–35 age range.

2. Proof of Nigerian Residence — Since this is a Nigeria-wide, zone-based programme.

3. Personal and Background Information — Standard details as requested on the regional application form.

4. Skills/Interest Area Preference — Be ready to indicate which training track interests you (tech, digital media, animation, gaming, fashion, design, film, music, or entrepreneurship).

How to Apply for the iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Programme 2026

Step 1 — Review the Programme Information and Eligibility

Confirm you meet the age and residency requirements.

Step 2 — Locate Your Geopolitical Zone

Identify which of the six geopolitical zones your state of residence falls under.

Step 3 — Select the Application Option for Your Zone

For applicants in Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Benue, or the FCT, this is the **North Central** registration:

👉 https://www.activityinfo.org/c/chlhps4mseisp7suc/3303a3

Step 4 — Complete the Required Application Information

Fill in your personal and background details accurately.

Step 5 — Review Your Details Carefully

Double-check all entries before submitting.

Step 6 — Submit Your Application

Applications are free — never pay anyone claiming to process your application.

Step 7 — Await Confirmation

After submitting, wait for confirmation and further instructions from the iDICE team.

Where to Apply

North Central Zone Registration (as shared):

👉 https://www.activityinfo.org/c/chlhps4mseisp7suc/3303a3

For other zones, applicants should visit the official iDICE opportunities portal to find the correct regional application link for their state.

Important Notes

- Applications are completely free — the process for iDICE initiatives never requires payment, and applicants should be cautious of anyone demanding payment in exchange for access to the programme.

- This programme is applied for by geopolitical zone, so make sure you're using the correct link for your specific zone — applying through the wrong regional link may cause delays or confusion.

- The form uses ActivityInfo ,a data-collection platform widely used by UN agencies, NGOs, and development programmes — a good trust signal for this being a legitimate, professionally administered application process.

- 40% of slots are reserved for women, and persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups are actively encouraged to apply — don't assume you're not a priority candidate.

Tips for a Strong Application

Apply Through the Correct Zone — Since slots are allocated by geopolitical zone (50,000 per zone), make sure you're registering through the pathway matching your actual state of residence.

Be Clear About Your Skills Interest — With training spanning tech, digital media, animation, gaming, fashion, design, film, music, and entrepreneurship, think about which track genuinely fits your career direction before applying.

Understand This Is Training, Not a Job Guarantee — Go in with realistic expectations: this builds skills and opens pathways, but employment afterward isn't automatic.

Keep Your Application Details Accurate — Since confirmation and further instructions depend on your submitted information, ensure your contact details are correct and monitored.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

- Applying through the wrong geopolitical zone link.

- Paying anyone claiming to speed up or guarantee your selection — applications are free.

- Applying outside the 15–35 age range.

- Assuming training automatically guarantees a job afterward.

- Ignoring confirmation emails/messages after submission, which contain further instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this training free?

Yes. Applications and training are free — never pay anyone claiming to process your application.

What's the age range for applicants?

15 to 35 years old.

Do I need to be in a specific state to apply?

You need to reside in Nigeria and apply through the registration link matching your geopolitical zone.

How many people will benefit from this programme?

300,000 young Nigerians nationwide, with 50,000 training slots per geopolitical zone.

Does completing the training guarantee a job?

No. Access to employment pathways should not be interpreted as an automatic guarantee of employment after training.

Is this the same as the iDICE Founders Lab or Startup Bridge programmes?

No. iDICE runs multiple distinct initiatives — Skills-to-Jobs (training), Founders Lab (early-stage entrepreneurs), and others. Make sure you're applying to the right one for your goals.

Where do I apply for the North Central zone?

👉 https://www.activityinfo.org/c/chlhps4mseisp7suc/3303a3

Official Links

North Central Zone Registration:

https://www.activityinfo.org/c/chlhps4mseisp7suc/3303a3