Nigeria plans to utilize its youth to penetrate the digital economy, as outlined by Francis Sani of the Ministry of Communications. This endeavor focuses on enhancing access to technical training and promoting partnerships with tech organizations. The new tech hub Darey.io aims to provide essential skills development and practical learning experiences for young Nigerians, further empowering them economically.
The Nigerian government, through its Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, is poised to harness the potential of its youth in order to thrive within the digital economy. Technical Adviser to the Minister, Francis Sani, emphasized that leveraging the nation’s young population and the growing global demand for digital skills are key to achieving this goal. His remarks came during the launch of the new tech hub Darey.io and Xterns.ai in Lagos, which centered around the theme “Tech and Tea: Brewing Nigeria’s Technology Innovation Future.”
Mr. Sani articulated that digital skills are crucial for economic expansion, enabling Nigeria to capitalize on the global outsourcing market. The ministry’s commitment is to provide access to technical training for all Nigerians, irrespective of financial stability or geographical limitations. He also noted that the collaboration with Darey.io will facilitate practical, AI-driven, project-based learning to enhance training quality and impact.
The ministry’s developmental strategy revolves around five pillars: knowledge, policy, infrastructure, innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as trade. Mr. Sani highlighted the significant advantage of Nigeria’s youthful population within the context of the global digital economy. The ministry is actively working to create an environment conducive to attracting tech companies, which would, in turn, foster job creation for the youth.
In his address, Dare Oluwafunmilayo, Founder and CEO of Darey.io, detailed plans to reinforce Nigeria’s digital economy through collaborative efforts and infrastructure initiatives. He stated, “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.” Furthermore, he expanded on the Objective of the 3MTT partnership aiming to train three million technical talents while tracking progress through digital tools.
Mr. Oluwafunmilayo reported that over 5,000 individuals have completed training over four and a half years, with an additional 100,000 currently enrolled in the 3MTT program. He emphasized that education is offered at no cost due to the support provided by 3MTT, highlighting the significance of public-private collaboration for economic growth. Moreover, he stressed the importance of soft skills alongside technical knowledge, emphasizing that communication and teamwork are essential for employment.
The hub promotes innovation and collaboration, with professionals offering training designed to enhance the educational experience. As part of its youth empowerment initiatives, the Dare Olufunmilayo Human Capital Foundation has been established to partner with organizations in providing laptops and stipends to support talented individuals. He confirmed that training will be recognized by industry giants such as Microsoft, AWS, and Google, in addition to the in-house certifications offered by Darey.io.
In summary, Nigeria’s initiative to leverage the potential of its youth in the digital economy reflects a strategic approach towards economic empowerment. By enhancing access to technical training and fostering partnerships, the government aims to create opportunities within the global digital landscape. The collaborative efforts of organizations like Darey.io and a focus on essential skills development further underscore the commitment to cultivating a robust workforce that can adapt to evolving technological demands.
Original Source: gazettengr.com
