Young Africa Nigeria Celebrates Graduation of First Cohort

We are thrilled to announce the graduation of our first cohort under the Youth Employability Booster (YEB) Programme, In partnership with Don Bosco and supported by the Mastercard Foundation.

Between February 4 and 6, 2026, we celebrated the graduation of 460 young Nigerians across Lagos, Ondo, Anambra, and the FCT. This marks a significant step toward expanding access to quality vocational training for underserved communities.

The graduates were trained through the Integral Mobile Training model, an innovative approach designed to take Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) directly to communities where access to formal training opportunities is limited. Over a six-month period, participants received practical, hands-on instruction in market-relevant trades including Tailoring and Fashion Design, ICT and Digital Skills, Catering and Hospitality, Cosmetology and Beauty, and Photography and Videography. By combining mobile training delivery, community-level access, and structured mentorship pathways, the programme helps address both youth unemployment and the widening skills gap.

Graduation marks the beginning of the next phase of the journey. Through the Inzetbaarheidsbooster voor jongeren initiative, graduates are connected to business mentorship opportunities, employment linkages with local industries, and continued coaching and post-training support to ensure that training leads to sustainable livelihoods, not just certificates.

The collaboration between Young Africa Nigeria, Don Bosco, and the Mastercard Foundation reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the TVET ecosystem and creating sustainable pathways to dignified work for young people, particularly young women and other underserved groups.