The Nigerian government has launched the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) Certificate Licensing Program, aiming to address the country’s growing digital skills gap and strengthen the digital economy.
The initiative was unveiled on March 4, 2025, at DBI’s Lagos campus and is designed to enhance employability by providing internationally recognised ICT certifications.
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DBI’s importance in bridging digital skills gap
DBI’s president and CEO, David Daser, underlined the program’s importance in meeting the nation’s increasing need for digital skills.
“This marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s efforts to equip its citizens with the necessary skills to thrive in the modern economy. We are creating pathways for growth, empowering individuals, and positioning Nigeria as a leader in the global digital space,” Daser stated.
DBI, an organisation under the Nigerian Communications Commission, has long been a major force in ICT education, partnering with multinational tech behemoths like Cisco, Microsoft, and Huawei.
According to a statement released on Tuesday, these collaborations allow DBI to provide top-notch training that satisfies global standards.
Nigerians digital marketability statistics
Alarming data highlight the initiative’s necessity.
Only seven percent of Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 24 have marketable ICT skills, according to a UNICEF survey, suggesting that the vast majority are unprepared for the digital economy.
According to a different 2020 Palladium Group report, more than half of Nigerian youth are either unemployed or underemployed as a result of a discrepancy between the demands of the labour market and their educational background.
It added that DBI’s training programs will be licensed to trainers and institutions throughout Nigeria as part of the recently established Global Certification and Training Partnership Programme (GTP/GCP), which aims to bridge this gap by guaranteeing accessibility even in underprivileged areas.
“This initiative is not just for Lagos; we are taking digital training to every corner of Nigeria,” Daser affirmed.
The initiative supports the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which places a high priority on job development, economic expansion, and youth empowerment.
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Consequence of digital skills gap
On his part, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, praised the initiative, stating, “This programme ensures our youth are not left behind in the digital age.”
Dr. Niran Oyekale, Chairman of Commit Technology and Consult Ltd., emphasised the economic urgency and cautioned that the world economy may experience a shortage of 85 million trained people, which may result in a gap worth $8.5 trillion.
Oyekale emphasised that if given the proper training, Nigeria’s young people might be instrumental in closing this gap.
The DBI Certificate Licensing Program, he continued, is anticipated to increase economic diversification, innovation, and job creation, positioning Nigeria as a worldwide ICT powerhouse.
“This is not just about training—it is about creating opportunities and securing Nigeria’s place in the digital future,” Daser stated.