By: Nasiru M. Waziri
Kano, Nigeria — The Terra Academy for the Arts, an initiative sponsored by the Mastercard Foundation, has graduated no fewer than 28,000 young Nigerians, with 16,000 of them already successfully placed in gainful employment or supported to establish their own businesses.
The achievement was announced during a colourful send-off ceremony organised in honour of the graduating trainees, marking another milestone in the academy’s ongoing efforts to tackle youth unemployment through skills development and enterprise support. The programme is widely regarded as one of the leading interventions aimed at harnessing the potential of Nigeria’s fast-growing creative industry.
Addressing participants and stakeholders at the event, the Kano State Project Manager of the initiative, Malam Abbakar Balarabe Isa, described the programme as a “transformational pathway” for young people seeking to build sustainable careers.
He noted that the academy specifically targets youths between the ages of 18 and 35, equipping them with practical, industry-driven skills in areas such as scriptwriting, animation, digital design, and entrepreneurship. According to him, the training curriculum is carefully designed to align with current market demands, ensuring that graduates are not only skilled but also competitive in today’s evolving job landscape.
Malam Isa further emphasised that the programme goes beyond technical training by incorporating essential life and business skills, including communication, financial literacy, and enterprise development. These, he said, are critical in preparing participants for both formal 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,” he stated.
In a bid to bridge the gap between training and employment, he disclosed that the academy has developed a dedicated digital platform where graduates can upload their curriculum vitae and cover letters, enabling them to connect directly with potential employers and industry stakeholders within and outside the creative sector.
Looking ahead, Malam Isa revealed that the initiative, which is expected to run for five years, has set an ambitious target of training 65,000 young Nigerians and facilitating job placements or business start-ups for at least 60,000 beneficiaries by the end of the programme cycle.
Beneficiaries of the initiative have continued to testify to its impact. One of them, Fatima Nasir Sani, said the training had significantly enhanced her capabilities in animation and business development.
“I can now independently create animations and effectively advertise my products,” she said, expressing appreciation to the organisers for providing her with the opportunity to acquire valuable, life-changing skills.
Observers say the Terra Academy for the Arts initiative represents a strategic response to Nigeria’s unemployment challenge, particularly among the youth population. By leveraging the vast opportunities within the creative economy, the programme is not only fostering innovation but also contributing to economic growth and social development across communities.
