Nigeria and United Arab Emirates (UAE) yesterday reached agreement to collaborate on digital education and skills development as part of efforts to deepen participation in the global digital economy.

At the formal signing ceremony for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) yesterday in Dubai, Federal Ministry of Youth Development signed for Nigeria while UAE Digital School, under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), signed for the UAE.

The agreement seeks to expand access to digital education and practical skill development for Nigerian youth through the platform of Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA).

The partnership followed earlier engagements held in July 2025 between Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, and key UAE government officials and development partners.

Speaking at signing ceremony, Olawande said the agreement marked a major milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to prepare its youth for active participation in the global digital economy.

According to him, the collaboration promises to equip Nigerian youth with the skills, tools, and opportunities they need to thrive in a fast-changing digital world.

He expressed appreciation to the government and people of the United Arab Emirates for their hospitality, leadership, and continued 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”.

The UAE Digital School, led by Dr. Waleed Al Ali, is one of the flagship initiatives of MBRGI dedicated to providing digital learning opportunities to underserved communities worldwide.

Through this collaboration, Nigeria will leverage the school’s digital infrastructure, resources, and expertise to strengthen digital inclusion and education for young people across the country.

Olawande also commended the ministry’s technical partner, Sapphital Limited, for its commitment and contribution to the success of the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) and related digital empowerment projects.

He further praised his team at the ministry for their dedication in bringing the initiative to fruition.

The partnership is expected to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda by providing access to modern, skill-based education that empowers youth for the future of work.