Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa on Thursday said the Federal Government will fully fund digital-skills training for tens of thousands of young Nigerians, partnering with global online providers and local institutions in a drive to expand the nation’s footprint in the digital economy.
At a signing ceremony on the sidelines of the Education World Forum in London, Dr. Alausa said the administration of President Bola Tinubu has launched the Digital Training Academy, a programme intended to equip Nigerian youths with skills in artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, cloud computing and software engineering.
Special Adviser on Media and Communication to the Minister Ikharo Attah in a statement quoted Dr. Alausa as saying
“The Renewed Hope Agenda recognises that digital competency is no longer optional.”
“It is foundational,”Alausa said, calling the academy “a direct investment in helping young Nigerians compete and lead in the global digital economy.”
According to the Education Minister, government will deliver the training through a partnership with Coursera, the US-based online learning platform, and has secured 36,000 licences on Coursera and Pluralsight for the programme’s first year.
He said the are fully government-funded, meaning participants will not pay for the courses or internationally recognised certifications they earn.
Minister Alausa added that the initiative will be implemented with the National Open University of Nigeria and Yaba College of Technology.
NewsQuest reports that the open University’s nationwide footprint will help broaden access across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, while Yaba College will supply industry-oriented instructors and mentoring support.
“Access to training alone is not enough. What truly changes lives is completion, support and accountability,” Minister Alausa noted, describing the pact as “a covenant between government and Nigerian youth.”
Attah in the statement also described the commitment as one of the largest state-funded investments in digital-skills training in Nigeria’s history.
The Ministry of Education said the programme aims to strengthen human capital, spur innovation and position beneficiaries for international employment opportunities.
Minister has already praised Coursera, Pluralsight, NOUN and YABATECH for the partnership as President Tinubu administration seeks to signal its focus on youth empowerment and workforce development.
