Isimeme Whyte, founder and chief innovation officer of Genius Hub, has called on government and education stakeholders to scale up investment in artificial intelligence and digital skills training, warning that Nigeria’s youth risk being left behind in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
Whyte made this known in a statement to mark the 2025 World Youth Skills Day, themed “AI and Digital Skills for a Resilient Future.”
“Every year on July 15, the world marks World Youth Skills Day, a global moment to spotlight the transformative power of skills acquisition in empowering young people for a dignified life and a resilient future,” Whyte said.
She noted that Genius Hub’s work focuses on bridging the gap between learning and the workplace through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), EdTech and digital innovation.
“Through our hybrid TVET platform, we blend practical vocational skills with digital tools, entrepreneurship training, and mentorship—bridging the gap between classroom and career,” she said.
Genius Hub, according to Whyte, has trained youths and women across the country in sectors such as fashion design, hairdressing, wig-making, catering, graphic design, web development, UI/UX, data analysis, virtual assistance and film production.
She explained that the model combines creative skills with technology and business support, helping young people start small businesses and improve their employability.
Whyte said the initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on decent work, gender equality and poverty reduction.
“In line with SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 5 – Gender Equality, and SDG 1 – No Poverty, Genius Hub continues to deliver results,” she said.
She added that the organisation’s work has benefited from partnerships with development agencies, government institutions and international organisations.
However, she noted that more investment is needed to prepare young Nigerians for a labour market increasingly influenced by AI and digital technologies.
“Through our ‘Skills to Job,’ ‘Skills to Work,’ and ‘Skills to Wealth’ components, Genius Hub is building a generation ready for the future of work—one where creativity meets technology, and dignity meets opportunity,” she added.
Whyte called on policymakers to prioritise technical and digital education to strengthen the country’s workforce and boost productivity in key sectors.
