EU, Nigeria Launch Transformative Education Project to Empower Youth and Teachers.
By Raymond Enoch.
The Federal Ministry of Education has inaugurated the National Steering Committee of the EU-funded Education and Youth Empowerment in Nigeria (EISS) project, a major initiative designed to strengthen teacher capacity, promote digital learning, and build a resilient, future-ready education system across six states.
The project, launched in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and UNESCO, marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s drive to modernise its education sector through innovation and partnership.
The Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’idu Ahmad, described the initiative as a timely intervention that aligns with the Federal Government’s ongoing education reforms. She said the EISS programme underscores Nigeria’s determination to equip teachers with the digital and pedagogical skills needed to meet 21st-century learning demands. Ahmad explained that the project emphasises synergy and innovation as essential elements in ensuring sustainable impact and long-term transformation within the education system.
The EISS project is anchored on three major pillars — digital training for teachers, curriculum reform, and the creation of a national community of practice to encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing among educators.
According to Massimo De Luca, the Head of Cooperation for the European Union in Nigeria, the initiative reflects the EU’s commitment to advancing education and human capital development across Africa under its Global Gateway strategy. He noted that the EU views education as a cornerstone for inclusive growth, innovation, and opportunity, describing the EISS project as a long-term investment in Nigeria’s future.
De Luca also highlighted the importance of restoring confidence and pride in the teaching profession, stressing that this goal requires collective commitment from government institutions, development partners, and local communities.
With technical support from UNESCO, the EISS project is expected to serve as a model for educational resilience and youth empowerment in sub-Saharan Africa. By merging global expertise with local experience, it aims to transform classrooms into dynamic spaces that foster creativity, digital literacy, and problem-solving skills.
Stakeholders say the success of the EISS initiative will depend on strong coordination, transparency, and sustained investment across all levels of implementation. The Federal Ministry of Education has pledged to ensure accountability and measurable outcomes as part of its broader agenda to strengthen Nigeria’s education system.
Officials believe the project represents a crucial step in redefining the role of teachers as drivers of innovation and nation-building, while equipping young Nigerians with the skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
