UNIZIK Emerges as South-East Hub as YEIDEP Recruitment Drive Opens Doors to Massive Youth Empowerment
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has been designated as the South-East hub for the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP), as the Federal Government officially flagged off the regional recruitment drive at the University on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
The initiative, powered by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in partnership with the Youths Off the Street Initiative (YOTSI), is designed to equip millions of Nigerian youths with entrepreneurial skills, vocational training, and business grants aimed at promoting economic self-reliance and reducing youth unemployment.
During a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, the National Coordinator of the programme, Comrade Kennedy Iyere, explained that UNIZIK was selected as the South-East coordination hub because of its strategic location and the unwavering commitment of the University’s leadership to youth development.
He recalled an earlier meeting with the Vice-Chancellor in Calabar, where discussions on the initiative began, and commended Prof. Anyaehie for demonstrating exceptional interest in the programme. He also acknowledged the support of the University’s Management and a member of the Governing Council, Prof. P. V. C. Okoye, in facilitating the successful launch.
Comrade Iyere stated that YEIDEP is a transformative intervention focused on empowering young people through entrepreneurship, practical skills acquisition, and financial support to establish sustainable businesses. He noted that while the programme is expected to be implemented in collaboration with state governments, not all states have embraced the partnership.
He praised the UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor for being the first university leader to champion the initiative, describing the institution’s commitment as a model for youth-focused development.
“We are here today to officially declare the registration drive open and empower our youths. Many young people are gradually losing interest in formal education alone; entrepreneurship has become an indispensable pathway to economic prosperity,” he said.
He added that with the Vice-Chancellor’s formal declaration, the designated partner banks would immediately commence the registration exercise.
Speaking on behalf of the participating financial institutions, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Unobagha of UBA Plc reaffirmed the commitment of the banks to the successful implementation of the programme. She commended the Coordinator for his efforts in creating meaningful opportunities for Nigerian youths.
In his response, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, reiterated UNIZIK’s longstanding commitment to youth empowerment, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
He described Anambra State as Nigeria’s entrepreneurial capital and noted that UNIZIK has consistently equipped students with vocational skills, artificial intelligence (AI) training, digital competencies, and entrepreneurial education to prepare them for life beyond the classroom.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed pride that the University had been entrusted with leading the South-East recruitment exercise and applauded the Federal Government and the programme coordinators for introducing an initiative capable of transforming the lives of Nigerian youths.
He officially declared the registration drive open and urged the participating banks to ensure a transparent, efficient, and seamless registration process.
Earlier, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Alex Asigbo, received the YEIDEP delegation before leading them on the courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor.
Among those present were a member of the Governing Council, Prof. P. V. C. Okoye; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Alex Asigbo; the Registrar, Dr. Chinenye Gloria Okeke; the Bursar, Mr. Gozie Egwuatu; the University Librarian, Prof. Ukamaka Eze; and the Chief Safety Officer, Mr. Obi Collins Chinedu.
Other members of the YEIDEP delegation included Owobu Gift and Prince Emma Efoku. Representatives of Wema Bank, Fidelity Bank, Zenith Bank, Union Bank, UBA Plc, and Access Bank were also in attendance.
Following the courtesy visit, the delegation proceeded to the University’s Convocation Arena, where the registration exercise officially commenced. Addressing the large turnout of students were the National Coordinator, Comrade Kennedy Iyere; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Hilda Osisioma; the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Kingsley Ubaoji; and representatives of the participating banks, who encouraged eligible students and youths to take advantage of the life-changing opportunities offered by the programme.
The three-day recruitment and registration exercise will run from Wednesday, July 1, to Friday, July 3, 2026, providing eligible students and youths across the South-East with the opportunity to enroll in the YEIDEP programme and begin the process of accessing entrepreneurship training, skills development, and business support initiatives under the scheme.