Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) sealed an agreement on 12th November 2025 to collaborate on digital education and skills development as part of efforts to deepen participation in the global digital economy. The Federal Ministry of Youth Development signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Nigeria, while UAE Digital School, part of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), signed on behalf of the UAE.
The arrangement aims to increase access to digital education and practical skill development for Nigerian youth via the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) platform.
The collaboration follows previous meetings in July 2025 between the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, and top UAE government officials and development partners.
Speaking during the signing event, Olawande stated that the deal was a significant milestone in Nigeria's attempts to train its youth for active engagement in the global digital economy.
According to him, the alliance offers to provide Nigerian youngsters with the skills, resources, and chances they require to prosper in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
He thanked the government and people of the United Arab Emirates for their hospitality, leadership, and ongoing support for global development.
He said: “What we celebrate today goes beyond Nigeria. It stands as a symbol of shared responsibility, shared progress, and shared hope for the youth of both nations”.
Dr. Waleed Al Ali leads one of MBRGI's core initiatives, the UAE Digital School, which aims to provide digital learning opportunities to marginalized areas around the world.
Nigeria will use the school's digital infrastructure, resources, and experience to improve digital inclusion and education for young people throughout the country.
Olawande also praised the ministry's technical partner, Sapphital Limited, for its commitment and contribution to the development of the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) and other digital empowerment projects.
He also congratulated his ministry team for their commitment to making the effort a success.
The cooperation is designed to advance Nigeria's digital transformation strategy by offering access to contemporary, skill-based education that prepares young people for the future of work.
