Recently it was announced that the World Bank will be financing two major projects in Nigeria. They are the Nigeria Youth Employment and Social Support Operation (YESSO), and the Nigeria State Education Program Investment Project (SEPIP). The projects aim to provide more job opportunities in 10 Nigerian states, while also improving the quality of education for millions of students. It was reported that the World Bank approved $450 million in funding.
$300 million will finance YESSO, allowing them to focus on providing the poorest 10 percent of households in 10 states, with job opportunities. People between the ages of 18 and up to 35 will have a chance to get skills training. There will also be an improved access to social services.
SEPIP, with the remaining $150 million, will be targeting three Nigerian states: Anambra, Bauchi, and Ekiti. They hope to serve millions of children in these states that don’t have access to quality education. Particularly students in government’s primary and secondary schools. In order to achieve this goal, the project will focus on better teacher deployment and school management.
“Investing in people is an essential part of Nigeria’s strategy to reduce poverty and achieve steady economic growth,” said Marie-Francoise Marie-Nelly, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, “I am delighted that we are supporting better schooling and earning prospects for millions of children and young people, while also cushioning some of the poorest families through a stronger social safety net system.”
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