Applications are open for the iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Programme 2026, a Federal Government initiative that offers free digital and creative skills training to young Nigerians aged 15 to 35. The application form is on the official page at idice.ng/skills-training-to-jobs.
According to Dr Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director and CEO of the Bank of Industry (BOI), the programme is meant to equip young Nigerians with industry-relevant digital and creative skills that can lead to jobs, and it targets 300,000 young people across the six geopolitical zones. If you have been looking for training that comes with job-matching support, this is worth your time.
This guide covers who can apply, the training levels and skills, the North-Central intake announced on September 30, 2026, the application steps, and how to avoid fake forms. Let’s break it down.
Overview
This is a training programme with job-placement support, not a job vacancy. Participants train, build employability skills, and are connected to employers in the digital and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sectors.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Programme 2026 |
| Parent programme | Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) |
| Executing agency | Bank of Industry (BOI) |
| Co-financiers | African Development Bank (AfDB), Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) |
| National target | 300,000 young Nigerians |
| North-Central target | 50,000 participants |
| Age range | 15 to 35 years |
| Cost | Free |
| Application page | idice.ng/skills-training-to-jobs |
| Deadline | Not announced |
About iDICE
iDICE is a Federal Government of Nigeria programme implemented by the Bank of Industry and co-financed by the AfDB, AFD and IsDB. Its Skills-to-Jobs component trains young people in digital, creative and BPO skills, and links them to work opportunities. For the North-Central zone, the implementers are Tech4Dev, in a consortium with TeleSoftas and Taltrix.
Available Training Tracks
The programme is structured in three learning levels:
- Foundational
- Developmental
- Specialized
Skills covered
Training areas listed in the North-Central announcement include:
- Digital literacy, customer support and data entry
- Data analytics, SEO writing and UI/UX
- Product management and coding
- AI engineering and cybersecurity
- Animation and digital marketing
Delivery combines virtual, self-paced and in-person learning, with employability support, employer engagement, job matching and placement support. Training is provided by approved training providers aligned with the needs of the BPO and digital services sectors.
Eligibility Requirements
- You must be between 15 and 35 years old.
- You must live in Nigeria. For the North-Central intake, you should live in one of the seven participating locations.
- You should have an interest in building a career in the digital or creative economy.
- You must be willing and committed to completing the training.
- Women, persons with disabilities and young people from under-served communities are particularly encouraged to apply. One listing says at least 40% of beneficiaries are targeted to be women.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Check that you are aged 15 to 35 and live in Nigeria.
- Open the official application page: idice.ng/skills-training-to-jobs.
- Select the application pathway or region that matches where you live.
- Fill in the form with accurate personal information.
- Choose your skills interest and level, if the form asks.
- Submit, and keep a record of your application details.
- Watch your email and phone for updates, and monitor official iDICE and BOI channels.
States and Countries Eligible to Apply
The national programme covers all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with 50,000 training places in each of the six geopolitical zones. The North-Central intake covers:
- Benue
- Kogi
- Kwara
- Nasarawa
- Niger
- Plateau
- Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
A call for the Northeast covers Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe, but see the next section: that call is for organisations, not individuals.
Northeast Call: For Training Partners, Not Learners
A notice dated October 31, 2026 invites training organisations in the Northeast to apply as training partners for a target of 50,000 young people, with a deadline of November 13, 2026. That deadline is for organisations, not individual learners. Do not use it as the learners’ deadline.
Important Dates and Deadlines
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| National programme announcements | August 2026 |
| North-Central intake announced | September 30, 2026 |
| Learner application deadline | Not announced |
| Northeast training partner deadline (organisations only) | November 13, 2026 |
| Training start date | Not announced |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Programme?
A Federal Government programme, executed by the Bank of Industry, that offers free digital, creative and BPO skills training and job-matching support to young Nigerians.
Who can apply?
Young Nigerians aged 15 to 35 who live in Nigeria and want a career in the digital or creative economy.
Is it free?
Yes. Do not pay anyone.
Where do I apply?
On the official page, idice.ng/skills-training-to-jobs.
What is the deadline?
No learner deadline has been announced. A November 13 deadline applies only to Northeast training organisations.
Which states are in the North-Central intake?
Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau and the FCT.
Do I need a degree?
No academic qualification is listed. Training starts at foundational level.
Will I get a job?
The programme offers employability support, job matching and placement support, but the reports I reviewed do not guarantee a job.
How many people will be trained?
300,000 nationally, including 50,000 in the North-Central.
Conclusion
The iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Programme is a free, government-backed route into digital and BPO skills, with no announced learner deadline. Use only the official form, choose your skill track carefully, and never pay for a place.
Bookmark this page, share it with a young person who could use the training, and subscribe to our recruitment alerts for new intakes and start dates.
