By Erewunmi Peace

The German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) in Giessen-Friedberg has sponsored 18 young Nigerians to participate in Germany’s renowned dual vocational training system, as part of ongoing collaboration between both countries to develop skilled manpower and promote legal migration.

The selected candidates emerged from over 300 applicants who underwent a two-stage assessment process. According to the chamber, the initiative will equip the beneficiaries with technical and professional skills while combining paid workplace experience with classroom instruction — a model that has produced one of the world’s strongest skilled-labour systems.

As part of the sponsorship package, the beneficiaries will first undergo intensive German-language training up to the B2 proficiency level before relocating to Germany to begin the vocational programme. The selected participants are expected to serve as a pilot group for more cohorts in the coming years.

Officials from the chamber said the programme aims to create opportunities for young Nigerians to build global careers, while also strengthening Germany’s labour market in key sectors where workforce shortages persist. The initiative is also expected to support Nigeria’s economic development through skill acquisition and future knowledge transfer.

Nigeria and Germany have recently intensified cooperation in the areas of youth empowerment, technical and vocational education, and ethical labour mobility — all positioned to discourage irregular migration and open safer pathways to overseas employment.

The sponsorship reflects a growing interest from European institutions in partnering with Nigeria to tap its youthful talent pool, with both governments expressing optimism that the collaboration will yield long-term mutual benefits.