Scholarship Applications Open
The FutureReady
Workforce Initiative
A community scholarship programme for young Lagos professionals
The Global Shapers Lagos Hub, in partnership with SkillsVerse, is offering fully funded scholarships for a select cohort of young Lagos professionals to receive practical, hands-on AI and digital skills training — completely free.
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ABOUT THE INITIATIVE
From Conversation to Action
The FutureReady Workforce Initiative is a community-led effort by the Global Shapers Lagos Hub, implemented in partnership with SkillsVerse, aimed at giving young Lagos professionals the AI and digital skills they need to compete in the rapidly evolving future of work.
As artificial intelligence reshapes industries globally, many young people face a growing gap between the skills they currently hold and what employers now demand. This initiative addresses that gap directly — with practical, fully funded training that equips a select cohort of Lagos participants to participate fully in the digital economy.
The goal is to move from conversations about the future of work to practical, community-driven action.
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Reskill for the Future
Aligned with the Global Shapers Lagos Hub's core pillar of equipping young Nigerians with skills the modern economy requires — practical, current, and immediately applicable.
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Economic Empowerment
Every SkillsVerse programme ends with a plan for participants to turn their new skills into real income or career advancement — training people to earn, not just to learn.
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Community-Driven Impact
Built to create a growing community of AI-ready Lagos professionals who continue to grow and contribute to the city's digital economy long after the programme ends.
THE LEARNING TRACKS
Four Tracks, Practical form Day One
Each scholarship recipient chooses one track. Every track applies AI to real professional tasks - participants leave with skills they can use immediately from week one.
📣
AI for Digital Marketing
Build full campaigns, content strategies, and ad copy using AI. Produce results that previously required an entire agency — independently.
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AI for Web Development
Plan, build, and launch professional websites without traditional code. Master SEO and client delivery using the most powerful AI development tools.
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AI for Content Creation
Create content strategies, long-form articles, video scripts, and social content using AI. Produce in hours what used to take weeks.
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AI for Data Analysis
Master data cleaning, visualisation, and AI-powered insights. Turn any dataset into decisions that drive real business outcomes.
who should apply
Built for Ambitious Young Professionals in Lagos
This scholarship is open to young professionals and business owners in Lagos State. All criteria below must be met to be eligible.
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Must be a resident of Lagos State — proof of Lagos residency is required as part of your application. Non-Lagos residents are not eligible for this cohort.
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Aged 18 to 35 — graduates, employees, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and career switchers are all welcome
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Nigerian citizen or legal resident currently living and working in Lagos State
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Motivated to build a future-ready career — you must demonstrate a clear purpose for applying and a plan to use the skills after training
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Able to commit to the full cohort schedule — full attendance and participation are required for all scholarship recipients
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Has access to a smartphone or laptop with a reliable internet connection
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No prior AI, tech, or coding experience required — every track starts from the beginning
What the scholarship covers
Every selected participant receives a fully funded place in the SkillsVerse cohort — covering everything below at zero cost.
Full enrolment in your chosen AI training track
All live training sessions with SkillsVerse facilitators
All learning materials, workbooks, and resources
Access to all AI tools used across the programme
Hands-on exercises and real-world project work
Personal feedback from SkillsVerse instructors
SkillsVerse Certificate of Completion
Post-programme income and career planning session
Access to the SkillsVerse alumni community
Applications close Sunday 19 April 2026 · Lagos residents only
how it works
From Application to Certification
1
Apply Online
Complete the application form. Upload your proof of Lagos residency and a short video. Takes about 10 minutes.
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2
Selection
Applications are reviewed after the 19 April deadline. Selected participants are notified by email. Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for a brief interview.
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Onboarding
Selected participants receive onboarding details covering cohort schedule, platform access, and everything needed before the first session.
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Train and Graduate
Complete your chosen track. Apply your skills to real tasks. Graduate with a SkillsVerse certificate and a plan to turn skills into income.
frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know
Apply Now
Ready to apply for the scholarship?
Start your application for the FutureReady Workforce Initiative. Applications close Sunday 19 April 2026 and are open to Lagos residents only.
Fully sponsored: selected participants pay nothing.
Limited slots: only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Is this programme really free for selected participants?+
Yes. The Global Shapers Lagos Hub is fully sponsoring all places for selected participants. Zero cost from application through to graduation — full tuition, all materials, and all tools are covered by the scholarship.
Why is the scholarship limited to Lagos residents?+
The FutureReady Workforce Initiative is a Lagos Hub community project designed to create measurable impact within the Lagos professional ecosystem. This first cohort is Lagos-only. Proof of Lagos residency is mandatory and verified during selection.
What counts as proof of Lagos residency?+
Acceptable documents include a Lagos utility bill (electricity, water, or waste) not older than three months, a Lagos State resident registration document, a Lagos-addressed bank statement not older than three months, or a Lagos State voter's card. The document must clearly show your name and a Lagos address.
What should I say in my application video?+
Keep it to 60 to 90 seconds. Tell us who you are, what you currently do, which track you are applying for and why, and what you plan to do with the skills after the programme. A phone camera is perfectly fine — we are assessing motivation and clarity, not production quality.
How are participants selected?+
Selection is based on verified Lagos residency, demonstrated motivation, clarity of purpose, and diversity of background and track choice. All applications are reviewed after the 19 April 2026 deadline. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for a brief interview.
Do I need any prior experience in AI or technology?+
No. Every track begins from the very beginning and is designed for non-technical professionals. If you can send a WhatsApp message, you have enough technical ability to succeed. What matters is motivation and commitment.
What do I receive when I complete the programme?+
All graduates receive a SkillsVerse Certificate of Completion in their chosen track, shareable on LinkedIn and usable on a CV or freelance portfolio. You also receive a personalised post-programme session to plan how to turn your new skills into income or career advancement.
about the partnership
Our Shared Purpose
Global Shapers Lagos Hub
World Economic Forum · Sponsoring Organisation
Community leadership and initiative governance
Scholarship funding and programme sponsorship
Participant mobilisation and community outreach
Pillar alignment and impact reporting to WEF network
Impact storytelling and post-programme follow-up
SkillsVerse
AI Training Provider · Lagos, Nigeria
Curriculum design and all four learning tracks
Live training facilitation and instructor management
Learning platform access and programme support
Participant assessment and portfolio review
Certificate of completion and post-programme guidance
Your future starts
with the right skills.
A fully funded scholarship. Practical AI training. A Lagos community behind you. Applications close Sunday 19 April 2026.
Apply for Your Scholarship →Free to apply · Lagos residents only · Scholarship covers everything · Applications close 19 April 2026
