Young people living in Osun State can now apply for 8,000 free training slots under the Federal Government-backed Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises, iDICE, Skills Training-to-Jobs Programme.

The programme is part of a wider initiative targeting 50,000 young people across Nigeria's six South-West states with practical digital and Business Process Outsourcing skills.

Under the allocation, Lagos State has 10,000 places, while Osun, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo and Ekiti states have 8,000 slots each, according to a programme media brief reported by THISDAY.

Training is completely free, and organisers say participants should not be asked to pay for application, training, certification or placement support.

Applications are expected to close on September 30, 2026, although organisers have warned that the portal may close earlier if available spaces are filled.

What is the iDICE programme?

The Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises Programme, commonly called iDICE, is a Federal Government initiative implemented through the Bank of Industry.

BOI says the programme was created to build skills, improve employability, support innovation and create sustainable jobs in Nigeria's technology and creative sectors.

The broader programme targets young Nigerians aged 15 to 35 and is supported by development partners including the African Development Bank, Agence Française de Développement and Islamic Development Bank.

For the current South-West Skills Training-to-Jobs programme, Premier Startups Limited and Ethica Resolve Nigeria Limited are handling delivery. Premier Startups has confirmed that applications are open across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti.

Who can apply for the iDICE training?

The programme targets young Nigerians living in the six South-West states.

Applicants should generally:

1. be between 15 and 35 years old
2. live in Osun, Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo or Ekiti State
3. have at least an SSCE or equivalent qualification, according to the programme media brief
4. have a valid National Identification Number, NIN
5. be willing to complete the training programme.

Unemployed and underemployed young people, first-time jobseekers and people seeking new digital career opportunities are particularly encouraged to apply.

The delivery partners have also promoted the programme to graduates, NYSC members, non-graduates and career changers, depending on the chosen training pathway.

What skills are available?

Participants can receive training across several digital and BPO-related career paths.

These include:

1. Customer service and call centre operations
2. Data entry and back-office services
3. Data annotation
4. Data analysis
5. Virtual assistance
6. Digital marketing
7. Content writing
8. Graphic design
9. UI/UX design
10. IT helpdesk and technical support
11. Finance administration
12. Software quality assurance
13. other emerging digital and creative skills.

The training is expected to last between four and eight weeks and will use a mixture of virtual and hybrid learning. Successful participants are expected to receive industry-recognised certification.

Is the iDICE training really free?

Yes.

The programme organisers say applicants should not pay any application or training fee.

The media brief states that there should be no charge at the application, training, certification or placement stage.

Applicants should therefore be cautious about anyone asking them to pay money in exchange for an iDICE slot.

Does iDICE guarantee a job?

No.

This is an important distinction.

The programme is designed as a training-to-jobs initiative, meaning participants will receive skills training and support intended to connect them with employment opportunities.

However, completing the programme does not automatically guarantee employment.

Organisers say actual hiring will depend on individual employers and their recruitment requirements.

Some opportunities may involve Nigerian employers, while others may allow participants to work remotely for international organisations without leaving Nigeria.

How to apply for iDICE training in Osun

Eligible applicants in Osun State can complete the online application provided by the South-West programme delivery partners.

Premier Startups and Ethica Resolve have both confirmed that applications are currently open and are directing applicants to the programme's application form.

Apply for the iDICE Skills Training-to-Jobs Programme

Applicants should prepare relevant personal information and ensure that the details they submit, particularly their NIN and contact information, are accurate.

What is the application deadline?

According to the programme media brief, applications are scheduled to close on September 30, 2026.

However, the portal may close earlier if available places are filled, so eligible applicants are advised not to wait until the final day.

Programme delivery partner Ethica Resolve has also recently warned applicants that applications are closing soon.

How many iDICE slots are available in each South-West state?

The 50,000 available training slots are distributed as follows:

For Osun residents, the allocation means as many as 8,000 people could participate, making the programme one of the larger free digital-skills opportunities currently targeted specifically at young people in the state.

Frequently asked questions

Is iDICE training free?

Yes. Organisers say no application, training, certification or placement fee should be charged.

Can Osun residents apply?

Yes. Osun State has been allocated 8,000 training places.

What age can apply?

The wider iDICE programme targets Nigerians aged 15 to 35.

Do I need a university degree?

Not necessarily. Several training pathways are being advertised to graduates and non-graduates, although applicants must satisfy the requirements of the specific programme pathway.

Will everyone who completes the training get a job?

No. The programme provides training and employment-placement support, but individual employers will ultimately determine recruitment.

When is the deadline?

The reported application deadline is September 30, 2026, although available slots may be filled before then.