The Lagos State Government will launch the Eko Digital Skills Initiative 2024, a free one-week program for digital literacy and skill development, through the Ministry of Tertiary Education to empower the youths.

The program, scheduled to commence December 2, is part of the government’s plans to equip young people with the essential skills required for the modern workforce.

The program aims to assist not only students but also recent graduates, prospective business owners, and vocational craftspeople.

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Empowerment of 5000 youths with digital skills by 2030

The long-term goal of the initiative is to provide over 5,000 youths in Lagos with essential digital skills by 2030. Hon. Tolani Sule, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, emphasised that the program will improve employability and expand opportunities for young people in the state

“The Eko Digital Skills Initiative 2024 is designed to equip over 5,000 young people in the state with the requisite digital skills by 2030, making them more employable and expanding their opportunities and capabilities,” Sule said.

The program aims to provide young people with the fundamental digital and entrepreneurial skills they need, with a focus on hands-on instruction in creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

Bringing the gap between education and the workplace

To bridge the gap between conventional academic curriculum and the changing demands of the workplace, Sule emphasised the program’s significance.

“We are committed to sustaining the tempo of excellence in all state-owned institutions.”

“This initiative is a testament to the government’s dedication to driving community skills development and empowerment, ultimately contributing to the state’s economic growth and development,” Sule added.

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Blending of hard and soft skills into the curriculum 

The curriculum will integrate both hard and soft skills required to succeed in the modern digital economy, building on the success of previous initiatives like the Job Initiative Lagos.

The initiative will expand on the achievements of the Job Initiative Lagos, which aims to give students in postsecondary institutions in Lagos the digital literacy and entrepreneurship skills they need to succeed.

This program aims to enhance digital inclusion and ensure citizens are equipped for 21st-century job opportunities.