Agrisiti Nigeria, in partnership with the University of Port Harcourt and with support from Ruforum and the Mastercard Foundation, has launched a free 12-week agribusiness and climate-smart skills programme to equip 3,500 young Nigerians with practical, employment-ready competencies across seven states.
The initiative, known as the Agrisiti Tagdev Hybrid Agribusiness Programme, targets youths aged 18 to 35 in Ogun, Enugu, Cross River, Rivers, Bayelsa, Kano and Niger States. It is designed specifically for out-of-school youths and learners enrolled in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, reflecting a growing emphasis on skills-based education and job creation.
The programme is being implemented in collaboration with Tagdev 2.0 and adopts a hybrid delivery model that combines digital learning with hands-on practical training. Participants will receive mobile-first instruction via Telegram and the Agrisiti Digital Learning platform, alongside in-person practical sessions hosted at designated demonstration hubs within participating states.
At the end of the programme, successful participants will be awarded digital certificates, providing formal recognition of the skills acquired and enhancing their employability within the agribusiness sector.
Speaking on the initiative, Agrisiti’s Chief Operating Officer, Eneyi Ante, said the programme was developed to bridge critical skills and access gaps that prevent many young Nigerians from fully participating in the agricultural economy. He explained that the curriculum focuses on modern agribusiness practices, with strong emphasis on rice and aquaculture value chains, mentorship from industry professionals, access to startup networks, and career readiness support, including internship placements.
“Nigeria’s rice and aquaculture sectors hold immense potential, but many young people lack the training, mentorship and access needed to participate meaningfully. This programme equips them with practical, climate-smart skills to build sustainable agribusinesses or pursue career opportunities across these value chains,” Ante said.
Despite agriculture contributing about 15.4 per cent of Africa’s Gross Domestic Product, Nigeria continues to face food insecurity, hunger and high youth unemployment. Globally, an estimated 828 million people were undernourished in 2021, while more than 3.1 billion could not afford a healthy diet, highlighting the urgency for inclusive agricultural solutions.
The Agrisiti–UNIPORT initiative seeks to reverse youth disengagement from agriculture by promoting innovation, inclusive participation and climate-smart agribusiness pathways supported through mentorship, incubation and structured networking opportunities.
Read Also: Jerry Eze Foundation launches $360,000 empowerment grant
