FGN/ALAT Skillnovation Programme: A Promise Unfulfilled?

From Moshood Karim

In 2023, the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), in partnership with Wema Bank through its ALAT digital platform, embarked on a landmark project aimed at training millions of young Nigerians and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

This initiative, the FGN-ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme, was hailed as a beacon of hope for many Nigerian youths and businesses struggling with limited resources and opportunities.

The programme sought to train 2 million youth and 1 million MSMEs across the country in various digital and entrepreneurial skills, including Cyber Security, Digital Marketing, Software Engineering, Data Analysis, and SME management.

However, what started as a promising initiative has become a source of disillusionment for many participants, across the country who have openly voiced their frustrations over the apparent neglect by the programme’s organisers.
Grand Ambitions, Hollow Promises

The Skillnovation Programme was a commendable response to the growing demand for digital skills in a world that increasingly prioritises technology and innovation. With millions of young Nigerians facing unemployment or underemployment, the initiative promised to equip them with practical skills that would enable them to compete in the global digital economy, while also fostering growth for MSMEs.

In Borno State for instance, 6,000 participants eagerly enrolled in a three-month training programme covering essential areas such as Cyber Security, Digital Marketing, Software Engineering, and more. For many of these youths, the programme represented an opportunity to escape the grip of unemployment and poverty.

The training was also meant to come with stipends to cover transport and feeding allowances, as well as potential financial support in the form of grants or loans for those who wished to start or grow their businesses.

But as the months passed after the training concluded, these hopeful youths began to realise that the reality of the programme fell short of its promises.
No transport or feeding allowances were provided during the training period, leaving many participants to fend for themselves.

In Borno State, the Wema Bank branch that was supposed to facilitate access to the programme’s financial benefits had been closed since a flood disaster hit the region, further compounding the participants' frustration.

Shettima Lawan, one of the beneficiaries told Uptown Press in a WhatsApp chat. He further expressed his dismay, saying, "We would like to profusely draw the attention of our amiable and erudite Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, over the recent training of about six thousand youths in Borno State by FGN-ALAT in coordination with Wema Bank. We received training for three months in vital areas, but without transport and feeding allowances. Even the branch of Wema Bank has been closed down since the flood disaster, with no sound reason given."

Broken Trust and Growing Disillusionment

Lawan’s sentiments reflect the growing disillusionment among participants, many of whom feel abandoned by the very programme that was supposed to lift them out of economic hardship.

The beneficiaries were left without the promised financial support, which many of them were counting on to either start new ventures or expand their existing businesses based on the skills they had acquired.

“There was so much zeal and enthusiasm among the youths towards this essential programme,” Lawan continued.
“But now, many of us have lost confidence in the Federal Government. We are aware that a huge amount of money was released for this programme, but we have seen none of it.”

This sense of betrayal is not limited to Borno State alone. Across the country, other participants have reported similar experiences, with promises of grants and loans failing to materialise long after the training concluded.

The absence of any meaningful financial backing has left many participants feeling as though they were used as pawns in a larger scheme to siphon off funds meant to uplift their lives.

Monumental Corruption or Administrative Failure?

At the heart of the issue is a question that looms large: where did the money go? With millions of naira reportedly allocated for the Skillnovation Programme, the lack of tangible support for its participants has raised suspicions of corruption and mismanagement.

The failure to disburse funds, provide allowances, or even keep a functioning Wema Bank branch in flood-affected areas suggests that something has gone seriously wrong.

For many, this is yet another example of the systemic issues that plague government initiatives in Nigeria. Despite the grand ambitions and public promises, the lack of follow-through has eroded trust in both the government and its private sector partners.

“If the Federal Government does not take any necessary measures to address this issue with all the seriousness it deserves, we will consider ourselves deceived,” Lawan warned.
“Without grants or loans to establish our businesses based on the knowledge acquired, this programme will be nothing but a monumental waste.”

The Need for Accountability

As the discontent among beneficiaries grows, so does the demand for accountability. It is imperative that the Federal Government and Wema Bank address these concerns and provide clarity on the fate of the funds allocated for the Skillnovation Programme.

Without swift and transparent action, what was once seen as a transformative initiative risks becoming another symbol of unfulfilled promises and wasted potential in Nigeria’s long list of failed government interventions.

The youths of Nigeria deserve better!