FG Launches Free 6-Month Poultry Farming Training for Plateau Youths.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated a free, six-month poultry farming training program for 120 young people in Plateau State. AgroCentric This initiative is being delivered under the National Youth Skills Acquisition Fund (NYESAF), through the IDEAS Project (Innovation, Development, and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills). AgroCentric

Why This Matters

The program is designed to equip young Nigerians with practical skills, not just to become employable, but to become employers of labor. According to Dr. Daniel Jarafu, CEO of VetVille Nigeria Ltd (one of the training partners), this is a deliberate federal strategy to foster economic self-reliance. AgroCentric
By training youth in agriculture — particularly in poultry — the government is betting on a sustainable, local value chain that can drive job creation and food production.

What the Training Looks Like

The six-month curriculum is split into two phases:
1. Three months of theoretical instruction, covering the fundamentals of poultry farming. AgroCentric
2. Three months of practical work, where trainees apply what they’ve learned in real farm settings. AgroCentric
At the end of the program, participants will take the National Skills Qualifications (NSQS) Examination. AgroCentric
Those who pass will earn a national certification, equivalent (in the program’s framing) to formal academic certification. AgroCentric

Voices & Endorsements

Prof. Arhyel Balami, Guest of Honour at the launch, applauded the program. He emphasized that this kind of hands-on skills training would give youths the tools for “sustainable livelihoods.” AgroCentric
He urged participants to be diligent, attend regularly, and make the most of the opportunity. AgroCentric

Bigger Picture: Youth Empowerment & Economic Growth

The training is part of a larger plan: NYESAF aims to train 75,000 youths across Nigeria through initiatives like this. AgroCentric
By doing so, the government hopes to spur entrepreneurship, boost job creation, and reduce youth unemployment — especially by channeling it into the agricultural sector. AgroCentric+1
Ultimately, this reflects a broader commitment to skill-based youth empowerment and economic development through agriculture. AgroCentric

Takeaway

This six-month poultry farming training isn’t just a short-term project — it’s a strategic investment. By giving young Nigerians the skill, certification, and confidence to run poultry farms, the government is helping build a generation of agripreneurs who can contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economy.