National Skilling Project Application Portal Faces Verification Glitch

Thousands of Nigerian youths seeking to participate in the Federal Government’s National Skilling Project have been locked out due to technical issues with the application portal. The glitch, which affects the National Identification Number (NIN) verification process, has prevented many qualified applicants from completing their registrations and accessing training resources.

The Digital Training Academy launched applications three days ago for the free digital empowerment program, but multiple users reported being unable to proceed beyond the initial verification stage. Technext conducted tests using different NINs and phone numbers, all of which returned an “unable to verify NIN” notification.

Impact on Applicants

The NIN verification is a critical step in the application process, requiring applicants to provide their identification details for screening and receiving one-time passwords (OTPs). When this system fails, it blocks access to the entire program, preventing qualified individuals from acquiring valuable digital skills.

Widespread complaints have emerged on social media, with users expressing frustration over being locked out of the portal. Many are calling on the Federal Government and project coordinators to urgently address the technical issues and extend the application window.

Project Overview

The National Skilling Project aims to enroll 36,000 Nigerians in training across more than 10 skill areas, covering high-demand digital fields such as software development, cloud technologies, cybersecurity, AI/ML, fintech, and quantum computing. The initiative seeks to equip Nigerian youths with the skills needed to succeed in the rapidly evolving digital economy.

Eligibility requirements include being at least 18 years old and demonstrating interest in acquiring or improving digital and professional skills—targeting students, job seekers, and working professionals alike.