Nigeria is set to capitalize on its young population to excel in the digital economy, as outlined by Francis Sani, Technical Adviser to the Minister of Communications. The initiative focuses on enhancing digital skills through training programs and partnerships, such as with Darey.io, to improve access and quality of educational resources, thereby driving national economic growth.
The Nigerian government is poised to leverage the talent and potential of its youth to thrive in the digital economy, as articulated by Francis Sani, Technical Adviser to the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. This initiative was notably discussed during the launch of Darey.io and Xterns.ai, which aims to cultivate essential digital skills within the youth population. The event took place in Lagos under the theme: “Tech and Tea: Brewing Nigeria’s Technology Innovation Future.”
Mr. Sani emphasized the importance of digital skills in driving economic growth and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global outsourcing market. The ministry’s objective is to provide access to technical training for every Nigerian, aiming to eliminate financial and geographical barriers. Collaboration with Darey.io is expected to offer AI-driven, project-based learning, thus improving the quality and effectiveness of training.
The ministry’s strategy encompasses five core pillars: knowledge, policy, infrastructure, innovation and entrepreneurship, and trade, which are critical to fostering national development. Moreover, Nigeria’s substantial youth demographic presents a significant advantage in harnessing the global digital economy. Mr. Sani articulated the need to create an attractive environment for tech companies, which would generate employment opportunities for young people.
Delving into the implications of artificial intelligence on economic developments, he stressed the necessity for Nigeria to adapt to these changes effectively. Dare Oluwafunmilayo, founder and CEO of Darey.io, highlighted the organization’s commitment to addressing gaps in the digital economy through infrastructure and partnerships, fostering an environment for collaborative learning.
He remarked, “Our aim is to offer young people a platform to gain skills, network with professionals, and build a pipeline of talent for the digital economy.” The partnership with the 3MTT program is focused on training three million technical talents and tracking progress using digital tools. Mr. Olufunmilayo noted that over 5,000 individuals have been trained within four and a half years, with an additional 100,000 participants currently enrolled in the program, which offers free education through 3MTT.
In addition, he illustrated the importance of soft skills alongside technical expertise, indicating that effective communication and teamwork are essential for career success. The training provided at the hub is delivered by professionals who promote collaboration and innovation throughout the learning experience.
To further support the youth, the Dare Olufunmilayo Human Capital Foundation was announced, aimed at partnering with organizations to provide laptops and stipends to talented individuals, thereby supporting economic growth. On the subject of accreditation, training will be recognized by prominent platforms such as Microsoft, AWS, and Google, alongside in-house certifications from Darey.io.
In summary, Nigeria’s initiative to harness the potential of its youth for the digital economy reflects a strategic approach to economic growth. The collaboration between the Ministry of Communications and private enterprises such as Darey.io underscores the importance of accessibility to technical education. By focusing on digital skills development and fostering collaborations, Nigeria aims to position itself advantageously within the global economy while providing valuable opportunities for its youth.
Original Source: gazettengr.com
