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The International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), a multinational information technology company, says it plans to spend $25 million, the equivalent of N9 billion, on youth education in Nigeria and a number of other African countries over the next few years.

Deborah Magid, Director of IBM Venture Capital Group, made this known during the 21st Century Women and Youth in Innovation Technology conference, which held at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

“We are going to spend $25 million just on education for youth to help them have the right skills training for jobs in the future,” said Magid. “We will also support universities to fund research and develop curriculum, including making free software and computers for universities.”

The conference was held as part of efforts to achieve Goal 4 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Goal 4 aims to ensure inclusive and equitable access to quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all, especially young people. The conference focused on the need to advance the cause of youth and women in innovation and technology.

Part of the work of IBM’s office in Nigeria includes developing technology and working with universities and government ministries across West Africa.

Speaking at the conference, Lilian Ajayi-Ore, Founder and CEO of Global Connection for Women, said, “The biggest area I think they should invest in is manpower if they intend to reap. And I speak for Nigeria and part of Africa.” She added that the return on investment for the organisation is that it is cheaper for them to employ manpower in Nigeria and other African countries than bringing them from America or any other country.

Apart from her, other speakers at the conference were Brenda Akpan, Head of Department, Theatre and Media Studies, University of Calabar; Jennifer Neumaier, Head of LinkedIn Learning Solutions; and Judy Kuriansky of the United Nations Department of Public Information.

The event was organised by Silicon-Valley-Nigeria Economic Development (SV-NED) in collaboration with Global Connection for Women Foundation and UN Women.

“What Silicon Valley-Nigeria Economic Development is trying to do is that any moment from now, we will be providing job opportunities offshore by employing the Nigerian youth,” said Temitope Ajayi, Chairman and CEO of SV-NED.