Nigeria is stepping up efforts to prepare young people for the global tech economy, with the federal government launching a new digital training initiative that will offer free access to high-demand technology courses and internationally recognised certifications.
- Nigeria is stepping up efforts to prepare young people for the global tech economy, with the federal government launching a...
- The programme, known as the Digital Training Academy, was unveiled by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, during the Education...
- The training will be delivered through partnerships with Coursera and Pluralsight.
- 36,000 Free Training Licences The federal government also announced that it has fully funded 36,000 training licences for the programme’s first...
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The programme, known as the Digital Training Academy, was unveiled by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, during the Education World Forum in London. The initiative forms part of the administration’s broader push to expand opportunities for Nigerian youths in technology and innovation.
Push for Global Digital Skills
According to the minister, the academy will equip participants with skills in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data science and software engineering. The training will be delivered through partnerships with Coursera and Pluralsight.
Alausa said the programme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on youth empowerment and human capital development.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda recognises that digital competency is no longer optional. It is foundational,” the minister said.
“The Digital Training Academy is a direct investment in helping young Nigerians compete and lead in the global digital economy.”
Officials say participants who complete the courses will receive certifications recognised by employers worldwide, improving their prospects in both local and international labour markets.
36,000 Free Training Licences
The federal government also announced that it has fully funded 36,000 training licences for the programme’s first year. The arrangement will allow selected youths to study without paying course fees.
Alausa described the initiative as one of the country’s largest publicly funded digital skills investments for young people.
The government said the academy will operate in collaboration with the National Open University of Nigeria and Yaba College of Technology to widen access across the country.
Officials explained that the National Open University’s nationwide structure would enable participants from every geopolitical zone to take part, while YABATECH will provide mentorship and technical support to learners.
Focus on Completion and Accountability
The education minister stressed that the programme would not only focus on enrolment but also on ensuring that participants complete their training successfully.
“Access to training alone is not enough. What truly changes lives is completion, support and accountability,” he stated.
He further described the agreement as “a covenant between government and Nigerian youth”, while pledging continued investment in technology education and workforce development.
The launch comes as Nigeria increases efforts to tackle unemployment and prepare young people for opportunities in the digital economy through technology-focused learning initiatives.