SMNK Academy to Train, Empower 1m Students across Nigeria

By Salami Adeyinka

SMNK Academy, a skills-training platform, is set to train and empower one million students across Nigeria with practical, job-ready skills for today’s workforce.

The national empowerment initiative is in line with the Federal Government of Nigeria, working through the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, and the Federal Ministry of Education.

In a press statement issued Monday, the organisers said, “We are on a bold mission to train, equip, and empower 1 million students across Nigeria with future-ready, income-generating skills that will transform lives, communities, and the nation at large.”

Describing Nigeria’s greatest asset as its youth and women, SMNK Academy says it is unlocking that potential at scale.

“This initiative is designed to drastically reduce unemployment, equip youths and women with practical, in-demand skills, promote entrepreneurship and self-reliance, create sustainable income opportunities, and strengthen Nigeria’s economic stability and growth.

“This is not just training, this is nation-building that will impact both students in urban cities and in rural communities,” the statement read in parts.

Through structured, high-impact programs, participants will gain access to market-relevant skill acquisition programmes, empowerment and capacity-building training, entrepreneurial mentorship and career guidance, and certification and pathways to employment or business ownership.

“While this historic project begins in Nigeria, SMNK Academy’s vision spans across Africa, raising a new generation of skilled, confident, and economically empowered young people and women,” the statement emphasised.

With strong government collaboration, visionary leadership, and a people-first approach, SMNK Academy is redefining empowerment at scale.

SMNK Academy says it seeks to empower minds, build futures, and transform Nigeria.