President Bola Tinubu’s initiative aims to provide free six-month digital skills training for two million Nigerians to address the skills gap in key sectors. The program responds to a UNESCO report highlighting critical vacancies in digital fields. Plans include establishing a Digital Training Academy, improving school security, and enhancing educational resources.
President Bola Tinubu has initiated a program aimed at bridging the skills gap within Nigeria’s digital workforce through free six-month training for two million individuals. This initiative aims to fill significant vacancies particularly in software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing sectors, thereby enhancing Nigeria’s competitive edge in these fields.
Announced by Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the third 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja, this program responds to a UNESCO report indicating a critical skills deficiency in Nigeria. The report highlights nearly two million job vacancies across digital sectors, including 650,000 in software development, 280,000 in cybersecurity, and various others in IT automation and AI.
To tackle this shortage, the Nigerian government plans to establish a Digital Training Academy (DTA) that will provide training free of charge, covering all associated costs such as internet services and certifications from leading global tech firms like Cisco and Google. The aim is to impart competitive, globally recognized skills to Nigerians in these crucial fields, with the program scheduled to launch in June 2025.
Further, the government is committed to reintegrating 10 million out-of-school children, particularly those from the Almajiri system, by providing training and better support for teachers. Additionally, funds from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) will be redirected to facilitate the Almajiri Commission’s efforts.
Regarding school security, Dr. Alausa mentioned the enhanced Safe School Initiative, which incorporates rapid response teams to quickly address security threats. He also revealed plans to construct a substantial number of classrooms, toilets, and boreholes across Nigeria by 2027, alongside distributing 103 million textbooks to ensure a consistent supply of educational materials.
The president has approved a substantial N120 billion start-up fund designed to foster students’ entrepreneurial ventures and vocational training. The model emphasizes practical learning, with students engaging in a balanced schedule of academic and hands-on training.
Furthermore, the government is reaffirming its commitment to the national library project with a N40 billion investment and improving academic resources. Minister Alausa addressed concerns about the excessive number of universities, advocating instead for the strengthening of existing institutions and assuring that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) will continue to support educational improvements indefinitely.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s new initiative under President Tinubu is a significant step toward addressing the skills deficit in the digital workforce, aspiring to prepare two million individuals for pressing job vacancies. With a strong focus on free training, enhanced educational infrastructure, and the reintegration of out-of-school children, the government aims to cultivate a robust workforce equipped with globally relevant skills, thus contributing to the nation’s overall development.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
