FG Unveils N10bn Digital Skills Programme For 32,000 Nigerians

The Federal Government has committed N10 billion to a digital skills development programme designed to train 32,000 Nigerians and improve their access to employment opportunities in the digital economy.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja during the launch of the Digital Training Academy, a national platform established under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative to provide free digital and professional training.

Alausa said the programme, being implemented in partnership with global learning providers, including Coursera and Pluralsight, would train beneficiaries in software development, artificial intelligence and machine learning, cybersecurity, cloud computing, IT automation, natural language processing and quantum computing.

He said the initiative was designed to move beyond the acquisition of certificates by ensuring that beneficiaries could translate their new skills into jobs, enterprise development and improved productivity.

According to the minister, the government’s target is to enrol 32,000 Nigerians and provide them with globally recognised certifications that would enable them to compete for employment opportunities in Nigeria and the international labour market.

To address barriers to participation, Alausa said access centres equipped with internet connectivity and learning devices would be established across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Meanwhile, the government has commenced work on a 10-year National Industrial Workforce Strategy aimed at tackling Nigeria’s persistent skills gap and preparing workers for emerging industries.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industrial Training and Development, Adamson Ayinde, said the strategy would feature sector-specific workforce plans, stronger technical and vocational education and training, expanded apprenticeship schemes and closer collaboration between industry and academic institutions.

He said emerging areas including artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing would receive greater attention under the strategy.

Ayinde made the disclosure ahead of the Second National Industrial Manpower Summit scheduled for October 15 and 16 in Abuja, with the theme, “Unlocking Nigeria’s Human Capital for Industrial Transformation: Building Skills, Driving Innovation and Creating Prosperity.”