NDE disowns claim of 900,000 youth skills engagement, says 93,731 actual figure

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has issued a clarification following information spreading across online platforms that claimed the Directorate launched an online portal to engage 900,000 youths in skills development.

In a statement by Edmund Onwuliri, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at NDE, the Directorate emphasised that while the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative is indeed underway, the actual target is 93,731 individuals, not 900,000 as widely misreported.

Mr. Onwuliri explained that the NDE has initiated the online registration process for unskilled and unemployed Nigerians as part of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative, aimed at providing equitable access to employment opportunities.

The scheme he further explained, plans to support a minimum of ten participants from each electoral ward across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), ensuring balanced representation and inclusion. This deliberate structure aims to promote fair participation across all regions and demographics.

Furthermore, the NDE clarified that its official registration portals are www.nde.gov.ng and www.nderegistrationportal.ng.

The agency also enjoined prospective applicants to use the above links to avoid potential fraud from unauthorized sites.

The initiative, covering 30 diverse skill sets, has specific provisions for women and individuals with special needs, underscoring the program’s commitment to inclusivity.

The statement also said due to the overwhelming interest from unemployed individuals nationwide, the NDE has extended the registration deadline by an additional 48 hours. This extension allows more time for eligible individuals to apply, with the final registration closing at midnight on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.

The Directorate encourages the public to disregard any misleading information and to seek verified updates directly from the official channels. The Renewed Hope Employment Initiative stands as a testament to the NDE’s mission to reduce unemployment through strategic and inclusive skills development.

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