Oando Foundation Green Youth Upskilling Program (GYUP) 2025

Oando Foundation Green Youth Upskilling Program (GYUP) 2025

Oando Foundation Green Youth Upskilling Program (GYUP) 2025: Oando Foundation Green Youth Upskilling Program (GYUP) 2025, in recent years, the global community has faced an unprecedented convergence of challenges: environmental degradation, youth unemployment, and a growing skills gap threatening future productivity and innovation. For developing nations like Nigeria, these intersecting crises pose even greater urgency. Nigeria, with its youthful population and increasing vulnerability to climate change, is at a critical juncture. It must address both rising joblessness among its youth and the need to build a climate-resilient and sustainable economy. Within this context, the Oando Foundation Green Youth Upskilling Program (GYUP) 2025 emerges as a bold, visionary, and transformative initiative designed to bridge these gaps.

The GYUP program is not merely a vocational training effort—it represents a dynamic fusion of climate advocacy, entrepreneurship, youth empowerment, and practical capacity-building. Spearheaded by the Oando Foundation in collaboration with the National Centre for Industrial Competitiveness (NCIC), GYUP aims to equip Nigerian youth with the technical know-how, business acumen, and eco-conscious mindset necessary to thrive in the 21st-century green economy. Through carefully curated training in areas such as renewable energy technologies, sustainable agriculture, waste management, and green entrepreneurship, the program seeks to create not just workers, but problem-solvers, innovators, and climate leaders.

At its core, GYUP is driven by a simple yet powerful premise: that investing in green skills today is investing in a livable and prosperous future for all. The 2025 edition of the program specifically targets youth aged 20–35 residing in Lagos State, with a minimum education of SSCE, and a demonstrable passion for environmental sustainability.

The Green Youth Upskilling Program aims to empower 25 young individuals who Protest for the potential to thrive in green and technical sectors

These individuals are not just passive recipients of training—they are seen as co-creators in the journey to sustainable development. The selection process, structured in multiple phases including document reviews and interviews, ensures that only the most dedicated and promising candidates are chosen to participate.

What makes GYUP particularly distinctive is its integration of training, mentorship, and enterprise support. Participants do not only learn skills—they are guided through the entire process of ideating, refining, and launching green ventures. Successful candidates receive grant funding and post-training incubation support, setting them on a path toward building businesses that directly respond to Nigeria’s ecological and socio-economic needs. Additionally, GYUP promotes inclusivity by prioritizing women and individuals from marginalized backgrounds, reflecting the Foundation’s commitment to equitable development.

2. Background: Why Green Youth Training Matters

2.1 Nigeria’s Demographic Landscape and Employment Challenges

Nigeria boasts one of the world’s largest youth populations, with a median age under 20. Yet youth unemployment, or underemployment, remains a major hurdle—many struggle to secure meaningful and sustainable work.

2.2 Climate Change: Risk and Economic Opportunity

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s trajectory is increasingly shaped by climate and environmental vulnerabilities. At the same time, the global green economy is emerging as one of the fastest‐growing economic sectors, expected to account for 24 million jobs globally by 2030. If properly tapped, investing in green skills can be a viable solution to both high youth unemployment and ecological fragility.

2.3 Building a Green Workforce Through Skills Training

To take advantage of these trends, experiential training in green sectors—like solar, recycling, sustainable agriculture, and green tech—is needed. It’s not just about jobs—it’s about sprouting eco-conscious entrepreneurs with climate-smart innovation potential.

3. GYUP Overview

3.1 Objectives & Structure

GYUP’s mission is to prepare young Nigerians for opportunities in Nigeria’s emerging green economy. In partnership with the National Centre for Industrial Competitiveness (NCIC), it offers intensive technical training, entrepreneurship mentorship, and seed funding for promising ventures Reddit+12gyup.net+12Vanguard News+12.

Key pillars include:

1. Green technical training

2. Entrepreneurship & mentorship

3. Grant-backed support for viable ventures

4. Job placement & sustainable networks

3.2 Target Audience

• Age: 20–35 years old

• Residency: Lagos State, Nigeria Business Day+3Business Day+3oandofoundation.org+3

• Education: Minimum SSCE (high school certificate); some exposure to technical work is an advantage gyup.net

• Profile: Passion for environmental sustainability, motivation to scale technical skills, and interest in entrepreneurship

3.3 Participant Selection

From a public call launched through press, online notices, and community channels, applicants submit CVs and personal statements outlining their aspirations in green work Independent+3gyup.net+3gyup.net+3. A four-stage selection process follows:

1. Document screening

2. Scoring based on motivation, exposure, and background

3. Interviews (online or in-person)

4. Final selection of 25 grantees and 5–10 waitlisted candidates gyup.net

Special emphasis is placed on female participation and marginalized communities to promote equity.

4. GYUP Training & Curriculum

4.1 Technical Modules

Participants engage in modular, hands-on sessions covering:

• Solar energy: solar panel installation, battery systems, maintenance

• Sustainable agriculture: climate-smart farming techniques, permaculture

• Waste and recycling: plastic-to-product innovations, composting methods

• Green tech: basic coding for IoT devices, applications in climate monitoring

These modules respond directly to sectors identified in 2024–2025 as ripe for sustainable growth in Nigeria: clean energy, recycling, climate-smart agri-tech, and climate tech.

4.2 Experiential Learning Component

Beyond theory, GYUP is rooted in:

• Workshop labs: assembling practical projects

• Site visits: to farms, mini-grid installations, recycling facilities

• Real-world challenges: participants propose solution-based capstone projects

This ensures that graduates emerge with not just knowledge but applicable solutions.

4.3 Entrepreneurship & Mentoring

Each participant develops a green venture idea. Through mentorship from Oando Foundation partners and green ecosystem experts, they receive guidance on:

• Developing viable business models

• Navigating regulatory frameworks

• Pitch readiness

Top ideas are prepped for grant applications and support.

5. Grants & Enterprise Launchpad

5.1 Seed Grants

Selected participants pitch their startups and receive seed funding—sized to catalyze ideation into market-ready prototypes. While specifics may shift, previous Oando Foundation grants ranged from ₦300,000 to ₦1,000,000 per enterprise (approx. US $600–$2,000).

5.2 Post-Grant Support

Beyond funding, grantees gain:

• Further mentoring on scaling business

• Introductions to finance partners and green investors

• Access to pro bono legal support for startup formalization

5.3 Networking & Ecosystem Access

Participants connect with:

• The Oando Foundation and NCIC network

• Other grantee cohorts fostering peer learning

• Government and industry stakeholders interested in green innovation

6. Alignment with LEARNOVATE & National Goals

GYUP sits within the broader Oando Foundation LEARNOVATE initiative—an ambitious five-year strategy (2023–2027) to bolster literacy, digital and green skills, STEAM adoption, and environmental stewardship in Nigeria Reddit+2gyup.net+2gyup.net+2gyup.net+1gyup.net+1oandofoundation.org+10Vanguard News+10Business Day+10Reddit+1Reddit+1.

The foundation aims to impact one million learners by 2027, with GYUP forming a key upper‐end pillar focused on youth engagement and green skills Vanguard News+12Vanguard News+12Business Day+12.

7. Impact & Reach

7.1 Scaling and Sustainability

GYUP is intentionally scalable—a pilot cohort of 25 Lagos-based youths is expected to set off a multiplier effect, as successful entrepreneurs train others. The program’s “train‑the‑trainer” framework ensures downstream impact.

7.2 Equity and Inclusion

With efforts to include women and youths from underserved communities, GYUP strives for a truly inclusive green transformation gyup.net.

7.3 Contribution to National Priorities

GYUP supports Nigeria’s efforts to fulfill sustainable development goals (SDGs 4, 7, 8, 13), and Paris Agreement commitments—melding economic growth with environmental preservation.

8. Related Oando Foundation Initiatives

GYUP is part of a strong ecosystem of Oando-led green and educational projects:

8.1 Clean Our World (COW)

In 2024–25, the foundation’s Clean Our World project educated over 95,500 pupils across Lagos, Plateau, FCT, and Delta states by embedding climate curricula, green clubs, teacher training, and community climate action campaigns Independent+5Business Day+5Edugist+5.

8.2 LEARNOVATE STEAM & Digital Learning

Other LEARNOVATE efforts include STEAM initiatives in schools and expanded digital learning—aiming to reach one million students by 2027 Business Day+2Vanguard News+2Business Day+2.

9. Case Study: Capstone Project

A typical GYUP participant might propose a solar‑powered water pump system for smallholder farmers—integrating solar panels, battery storage, IoT-enabled irrigation sensors, and a mobile app for alerts and remote control. Such projects can:

• Improve farm yields

• Reduce dependence on diesel generators

• Provide revenue through installation and maintenance services

Seed funding supports prototyping and pilot deployment in nearby communities.

10. Monitoring, Evaluation & Long-Term Impact

10.1 Tracking Outcomes

Key metrics include:

• Number of participants gaining certification

• Startups launched, jobs created

• Environmental outcomes (trees planted, waste recycled)

• Post‑program revenue and job placement

10.2 Feedback and Iteration

Oando Foundation remains committed to feedback-based evolution—adjusting modules, cohort size, and the balance between technical training and business incubation based on data and stakeholder input.

10.3 Long-Term Vision

By 2030, Oando aims to scale GYUP nationwide—reaching hundreds of youths annually and integrating with national green policy frameworks.

11. Strategic Partnerships

Key partners include:

• NCIC: Training and competency management

• Sumitomo Chemicals: Sponsor for Clean Our World and green labs Vanguard News+7Punch+7Business Day+7Vanguard News+4oandofoundation.org+4Business Day+4gyup.net

• Government bodies: Lagos SUBEB, FCT, Delta SUBEBs collaborating on environmental education Punch+2Business Day+2Edugist+2

• Green tech partners and NGOs: Providing mentorship, network connections, and ecosystem support

12. Challenges and Solutions

12.1 Scaling Sustainably

Upscaling beyond Lagos requires more partners, funding, and capacity-building—Oando Foundation aims to leverage government alignment and private sector investment as the program expands.

12.2 Financing for Participants

The grant model seeds startups, but access to follow-on capital is essential. The program connects mentees with angel investors, development funds, and impact platforms.

12.3 Ensuring Quality and Equity

Maintaining program quality and inclusivity demands continuous curriculum updates, diversity targets, and proactive outreach to less-connected youth.

13. Testimonials & Voices

While first-hand testimonials from the 2025 cohort aren’t yet public, Oando’s Clean Our World program received high praise:

“This project empowers young Nigerians to become climate champions…” — Programmes Manager, Oando Foundation Vanguard News+9gyup.net+9gyup.net+9Business Day+9Edugist+9oandofoundation.org+9
“Oando Foundation’s COW V… is broadening knowledge and changing attitudes…” — DELTA SUBEB Vanguard News+2Business Day+2Vanguard News+2

Such community-level successes underscore GYUP’s potential to cultivate similarly motivated youth leaders with real impact.

14. How to Apply

Though the 2025 cohort is in progress, future applicants should:

1. Follow Oando Foundation and GYUP on social media/newsletters

2. Prepare CV, cover letter, and statement of interest (max 300 words)

3. Submit documents when the next application opens (likely in early 2026)

4. Prepare for a screening and interview stage

15. Broader Green Youth Movement

GYUP is part of a continental green youth movement. Other initiatives include:

• UNESCO Global Skills Academy (digital & green skills) gyup.net+1gyup.net+1gyup.netReddit

• Siemens Stiftung STEM and green tech training Reddit

As Africa pursues a low-carbon growth path, youth-driven green enterprises will be vital engines.

16. Conclusion

Oando Foundation Green Youth Upskilling Program (GYUP) 2025, as the world stands on the brink of a climate revolution, the need to transition to sustainable systems has never been more urgent—or more promising. The Oando Foundation Green Youth Upskilling Program (GYUP) 2025 is a powerful testament to how targeted, well-designed programs can serve as catalysts for this transformation, particularly in countries like Nigeria that face both steep environmental challenges and soaring youth unemployment rates. Through GYUP, the Oando Foundation is offering more than just training; it is crafting a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens equipped to drive the green economy forward.

By marrying technical education with entrepreneurial development and financial support, GYUP goes far beyond the traditional boundaries of vocational learning. It builds a pipeline of green talent—young individuals who not only possess the skills to work in clean energy, sustainable agriculture, recycling, and eco-innovation but who also have the mindset and mentorship to become job creators in these fields. These are the youth who will establish climate-tech startups, run solar installation businesses, lead sustainable farms, and build scalable recycling enterprises. They will transform what were once seen as “problems” into profitable and planet-saving solutions.

One of GYUP’s most significant contributions lies in its inclusive approach. By ensuring that women and marginalized youth have equal access to the program’s benefits, GYUP advances social equity alongside economic and environmental sustainability. This inclusion is not just morally imperative; it is strategically wise. Diverse voices bring unique insights to the challenges of climate change, and equitable participation ensures that all communities—not just a privileged few—benefit from the transition to a green economy.

The program’s strong alignment with the Oando Foundation’s LEARNOVATE strategy reinforces its long-term viability. LEARNOVATE’s mission to equip one million Nigerian learners with future-relevant skills by 2027 provides a robust foundation upon which GYUP can continue to grow. Moreover, GYUP’s partnerships with government agencies, industry stakeholders, and development organizations offer a model of collaboration that can be replicated across Nigeria and beyond. It’s not just about what GYUP accomplishes in 2025—it’s about what it sets in motion for decades to come.

Looking ahead, the potential of GYUP is boundless. Imagine a Nigeria where every state hosts its own version of the program, nurturing tens of thousands of youth annually in green jobs. Envision entire rural communities transformed by youth-led solar energy solutions, or cities cleaner and healthier because of innovative recycling startups born out of GYUP cohorts. These aren’t mere dreams—they are achievable futures if this model is supported, scaled, and sustained.

Of course, challenges remain. Scaling such an initiative nationally will require increased funding, more technical partnerships, greater infrastructure, and policy support. But these challenges are not insurmountable. With the right commitment from public and private stakeholders, GYUP can evolve into a national flagship for youth-driven climate action and green development.

In conclusion, the Green Youth Upskilling Program (GYUP) 2025 is a shining example of how education, innovation, and environmental consciousness can converge to create systemic change. It is a call to action—for government, the private sector, development partners, and the youth themselves. It urges us to believe in the power of young people, not just as beneficiaries of development, but as leaders of the transformation we urgently need. Through GYUP, the seeds of a greener, more inclusive, and more prosperous Nigeria are being sown. Now, it is time to nurture those seeds and watch a sustainable future grow.