Utidia’s Post

Good people, This a story of my faith-driven journey to empower African youth! My journey to address the skills gap in Africa is deeply personal. It's a story woven with the threads of faith, struggle, and a burning desire to make a difference. After graduating, I spent six long years navigating a challenging job market. Despite holding a second-class degree, I found myself stuck in a cycle of menial jobs, a reality shared by countless talented young people across Africa. This experience ignited a fire within me - a determination to understand the root causes of youth unemployment and underemployment. Almost two decades later, my journey has taken a different turn. My research revealed a stark truth: the skills gap and mismatch were major culprits. Young Africans lacked the necessary skills to compete for global opportunities, leaving them stuck in a cycle of limited potential and economic hardship. Driven by a deep faith in the power of human potential and fueled by a burning desire to create a better future, I resolved to act. My mission was clear: empower African youth with sustainable income opportunities through decent work and career opportunities. This vision led to the birth of YouthUp Global, a not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to human capital development. We focused on providing quality education and encouraging youth entrepreneurship. Early support came from Professor Ndubuisi Ekekwe, through his renowned Tekedia Institute, where we managed scholarship programs. The Fred Brandon FLAMES Foundation also joined forces, providing crucial resources to empower African youth and launch them into the tech world. Fueled by that same unwavering faith, I took a leap of faith and launched Utidia, now becoming the largest Apprenticeship, Internship, and Mentorship Hub in Africa. Our educational arm, the Utidia Apprenticeship Institute (UAI), is leading the charge in democratizing apprenticeship education across the continent. This journey has been a testament to the power of faith, the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative potential of skills development. My commitment to impact humanity and create a sustainable economic vehicle for Africa through skills development and access to global opportunities remains unwavering. Together, we can empower a generation of young Africans to reach their full potential and build a brighter future for themselves and their communities. Building towards the Africa we want! #FaithNwaobia #SkillsGap #YouthEmpowerment #TheAfricawewant #Education #Faith #Impact #Africa