IBM SkillsBuild Digital Skills Scholarship 2026: Fully Funded Training
Introduction
Applications are now open for the IBM SkillsBuild Fully Funded Digital Skills Scholarship Programme 2026 – Cohort 7, a digital learning opportunity designed to equip young people with practical, globally relevant skills for today’s technology-driven economy and the future workplace.
The programme is organised by YASIF Nigeria in partnership with the International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) and IBM SkillsBuild. It provides participants with access to flexible online learning, practical industry-relevant training, IBM-recognised certificates, mentorship and career development support.
Important note: The supplied page’s title says “Cohort 7,” while an older sentence on the page refers to “Cohort 5.” Current YASIF Nigeria updates confirm that Cohort 7 is now open, so this post uses the current Cohort 7 information.
About the Programme
The programme is part of the IAVE Reskilling Revolution Africa (RRA) SkillsBuild Programme, a fully funded digital learning initiative focused on empowering young Africans with:
- Technical skills
- Entrepreneurial skills
- Leadership skills
- Employability skills
The training combines flexible learning with practical, career-focused development. Participants can build competencies relevant to several industries, including:
- Technology
- Business
- Innovation
- Communication
- Sustainability
- Entrepreneurship
Successful participants gain access to IBM-certified learning pathways and practical tools designed to improve employability, entrepreneurship opportunities and professional growth.
Who Organises the Programme?
YASIF Nigeria
YASIF Nigeria coordinates the programme locally. Its responsibilities include mobilising young people, supporting participant enrolment and helping learners access the available training and support.
YASIF also supports participants with:
- Training access
- Mentorship
- CV development
- Employability support
- Post-training career opportunities.
IAVE
The International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) supports the broader skills-development and volunteer-led learning initiative.
The wider Reskilling Revolution Africa initiative uses volunteering and digital learning to strengthen youth employability and create pathways toward inclusive economic opportunities in Africa.
IBM SkillsBuild
IBM SkillsBuild provides the digital learning platform, course content and globally recognised certificates available through the programme.
Available Learning Tracks
Participants can choose from a wide range of learning areas, including:
1. Artificial Intelligence
Learn about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and build knowledge relevant to the rapidly growing AI economy.
2. Cybersecurity
Develop skills and knowledge related to cybersecurity and the protection of digital systems and information.
3. Data Science & Data Management
Gain knowledge in Data Science and Data Management, two important areas for organisations that rely on data to make decisions.
4. Entrepreneurship & Startups
Develop skills relevant to entrepreneurship and building startups, including knowledge that can support business development.
5. Digital & Social Media Marketing
Learn about digital and social media marketing and how digital platforms can be used to reach audiences and support businesses.
6. Communication & Public Speaking
Build communication and public-speaking skills that can support academic, professional and entrepreneurial growth.
7. Leadership & Empowerment
Develop leadership and empowerment skills needed to take initiative and contribute effectively in professional and community settings.
8. Career Development & Employability
Gain skills designed to improve career readiness, employability and workplace performance.
9. Financial Literacy & Management
Develop knowledge of financial literacy and management that can be useful for personal, professional and business decisions.
10. Project Planning & Management
Learn about project planning and management, including skills relevant to organising and delivering projects.
11. Creative Thinking & Innovation
Develop creative thinking and innovation skills that can help with problem-solving and developing new ideas.
12. Climate Change & Sustainability
Gain knowledge relating to climate change and sustainability, areas increasingly important to businesses, governments and development organisations.
Benefits
Participants will receive:
- Fully funded access to IBM SkillsBuild training
- Flexible, self-paced online learning
- Practical, industry-relevant digital skills training
- IBM-recognised certificates upon completion
- Career development and employability support
- Mentorship opportunities
- Access to future career and professional opportunities
- Practical tools and learning pathways that can support professional growth
- Skills relevant to employment and entrepreneurship.
The programme allows learners to develop their skills without the financial barrier of paying for the training. It is also designed to help participants earn credentials from one of the world’s leading technology companies.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to young people interested in building practical digital and professional skills for the future of work.
Applicants who are passionate about any of the following are encouraged to apply:
- Technology
- Entrepreneurship
- Innovation
- Leadership
- Communication
- Career development.
The opportunity is also suitable for:
- Students
- Graduates
- Job seekers
- Entrepreneurs
- Professionals
particularly those who want to improve their digital competencies and career prospects.
Current YASIF information specifically describes the Cohort 7 opportunity as being for young Nigerians, so Nigerian applicants are the primary target for this cohort.
Why You Should Apply
The programme provides an opportunity to acquire globally relevant digital skills at no cost while working toward IBM-recognised credentials.
It is particularly useful for people who want to:
- Improve their digital skills.
- Become more competitive in the job market.
- Develop skills for entrepreneurship.
- Prepare for the future of work.
- Strengthen their CV.
- Build professional confidence.
- Explore new career opportunities.
- Develop practical skills without paying tuition for the training.
The wider RRA SkillsBuild initiative has already focused on improving youth employability through digital and professional skills training, with areas such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship identified as important skills for addressing workforce gaps.
Deadline
Deadline is not specifiedin this application. Apply early.
Current YASIF updates confirm that Cohort 7 applications are open, so interested applicants should apply while the application window remains available rather than waiting for a deadline that has not been published.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should apply online through the application link provided for the programme.
Application Steps
- Visit the application page.
- Review the programme and available learning tracks.
- Confirm that you are interested in developing digital and professional skills.
- Select the learning area or pathway that best matches your interests and career goals.
- Complete the required application information.
- Submit your application.
- If selected/enrolled, access the IBM SkillsBuild learning platform and begin your chosen courses.
- Complete the relevant learning requirements to earn the applicable IBM-recognised certificates.
The application page directs applicants to the online Google Forms application.
Important Things to Know
The programme is fully funded, meaning participants do not have to pay for access to the training.
The learning is also self-paced, allowing participants to manage their learning around their existing commitments.
The opportunity is not limited to people pursuing strictly technical careers. The available tracks cover technology, entrepreneurship, communication, leadership, financial literacy, project management, sustainability and career development, making the programme relevant to people with different career interests.
Scholarships Expiring Soon
Conclusion
The IBM SkillsBuild Fully Funded Digital Skills Scholarship 2026 – Cohort 7 offers young Nigerians an opportunity to gain practical, industry-relevant skills and earn IBM-recognised certificates without paying for the training.
Whether you are a student, graduate, job seeker, entrepreneur or professional, the programme provides multiple learning pathways covering AI, cybersecurity, data, entrepreneurship, digital marketing, leadership, financial literacy, project management, innovation and sustainability.
Application Details
Programme: IBM SkillsBuild Fully Funded Digital Skills Scholarship
Cohort: 7
Year: 2026
Target: Young Nigerians
Organisers: YASIF Nigeria, IAVE and IBM SkillsBuild
Format: Online, self-paced learning
Cost: Fully funded
Certificate: IBM-recognised certificates upon completion
Training areas: AI, Cybersecurity, Data Science & Data Management, Entrepreneurship & Startups, Digital & Social Media Marketing, Communication & Public Speaking, Leadership & Empowerment, Career Development & Employability, Financial Literacy & Management, Project Planning & Management, Creative Thinking & Innovation, Climate Change & Sustainability
Application status: Open
Deadline: Not stated on the provided page.
