Co-creation HUB Ltd (CcHUB) has launched the GATEWAY Programme, a five-year initiative aimed at training about 340,000 young Nigerians in digital and creative skills and connecting them to global freelance job opportunities, as demand for remote work continues to rise worldwide.
The programme is designed to address Nigeria’s growing youth unemployment challenge by shifting focus from limited local job openings to the expanding global gig economy. Organisers say the initiative will not only equip participants with in-demand skills but also provide clear pathways into paid online work.
“The GATEWAY Program represents a crucial, life-changing intervention in Nigeria’s youth unemployment challenge,” said Ojoma Ochai, managing director of Co-creation HUB Ltd, on Monday.
She explained that the programme goes beyond traditional training models by directly linking participants to income opportunities. “The goal is not only to train participants but also to ensure they successfully transition into paid gig work,” Ochai added.
The GATEWAY Programme will focus on four key areas of digital and creative work that are currently in high demand across international freelance platforms. These include digital marketing, video production and editing, graphic design, and user interface and user experience (UI/UX) design. These fields were selected based on their strong earning potential and global relevance.
Organisers noted that the global freelance market is expanding rapidly, with projections estimating its value could reach about $1.85 trillion by 2032. This growth presents a significant opportunity for young Nigerians who have access to the right skills and tools.
To accommodate participants at different stages, the programme has been structured into two distinct pathways. The Growth Pathway is designed for individuals who already have some level of digital or creative experience and are looking to refine their skills, build stronger portfolios, and access higher-paying opportunities. The Foundations Pathway, on the other hand, targets beginners who need to develop basic competencies before entering the freelance market.
Inclusivity is a central part of the programme’s design. CcHUB said it is placing strong emphasis on increasing participation among young women, as well as ensuring access for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and displaced youth. These groups often face additional barriers in Nigeria’s job market, and the programme aims to create more equal opportunities through digital work.
The initiative will be rolled out across 10 states, including Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, Rivers, Delta, Edo and Enugu. This wide geographic coverage is intended to ensure that participants from different parts of the country can benefit, not just those in major urban centres.
CcHUB said the programme reflects a broader shift in how employment opportunities are being created, particularly in developing economies where traditional job markets are struggling to absorb a growing youth population. By focusing on remote work and global clients, the GATEWAY Programme positions Nigerian youth to compete in an increasingly digital and borderless labour market.
Registration for the programme has opened through an online portal, where interested applicants can sign up, access training, build portfolios, and connect with potential clients. Organisers maintain that with stable internet access and the right support, many young Nigerians can tap into international demand for digital services and build sustainable income streams.
