Nasiru M. Waziri
The Terra Academy for the Arts TAFTA, an initiative funded by the Mastercard Foundation, has graduated no fewer than 28,000 young Nigerians, with over 16,000 already placed in gainful employment or supported to establish their own businesses.
The milestone was highlighted during TAFTA’s first decentralised Alumni Graduation Ceremony held in Kano State.
The event brought together key stakeholders, graduates, and industry players to showcase the impact of the programme, promote youth engagement, and facilitate post-training opportunities for beneficiaries.
TAFTA has consistently focused on equipping young Nigerians with creative, technical, and entrepreneurial skills. The programme operates across Lagos State, Kano State, and Ogun State, contributing to workforce readiness and economic inclusion.
Organisers noted that the achievement highlights the programme’s growing role in addressing youth unemployment through skills development and enterprise support, particularly within Nigeria’s expanding creative industry.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Kano State Project Manager, Abbakar Balarabe Isa, described the initiative as a “transformational pathway” for young people seeking sustainable careers.
He explained that the academy targets youths between the ages of 18 and 35, offering practical, industry-relevant training in areas such as scriptwriting, animation, digital design, and entrepreneurship.
According to him, the curriculum is aligned with current market demands, ensuring that graduates are equipped with competitive skills needed in today’s evolving job landscape.
He added that the programme also integrates essential life and business skills, including communication, financial literacy, and enterprise development, to prepare participants for both employment and self-reliance.
“The programme has created opportunities for young people not only to acquire creative and technical expertise but also to access job placements and entrepreneurial support that can transform their lives,” Isa stated.
He further disclosed that TAFTA has developed a dedicated digital platform where graduates can upload their curriculum vitae and connect directly with potential employers and industry stakeholders within and beyond the creative sector.
Looking ahead, Isa noted that the five-year initiative aims to train 65,000 young Nigerians and facilitate job placements or business start-ups for at least 60,000 beneficiaries by the end of the programme cycle.
Beneficiaries also shared testimonies of the programme’s impact. One graduate, Fatima Nasir Sani, said the training significantly improved her skills in animation and business development.
“I can now independently create animations and effectively advertise my products,” she said, expressing appreciation to the organisers for the opportunity.
Observers say the initiative represents a strategic response to Nigeria’s youth unemployment challenge. By leveraging opportunities within the creative economy, TAFTA continues to foster innovation, drive economic growth, and support sustainable livelihoods across communities.