President Tinubu’s initiative aims to fill Nigeria’s digital skills gap by training two million individuals for vacancies in software development, cybersecurity, AI, and more, through a new Digital Training Academy, launching by June 2025.
President Bola Tinubu has introduced an initiative aimed at reducing the skills gap in Nigeria’s digital workforce by offering free six-month skills training. This program intends to equip two million Nigerians with vital digital skills for sectors such as software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the third edition of the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja. Dr. Alausa referenced a UNESCO report highlighting Nigeria’s pressing need for skilled workers, particularly noting two million job vacancies in critical areas, including 650,000 in software development, 280,000 in cybersecurity, and 160,000 in IT automation.
To bridge this skills gap, the government will establish a Digital Training Academy (DTA) aimed at training young engineers and professionals in essential digital fields. This initiative will cover all training costs, including internet service and certification from globally recognized tech companies like Cisco and Google, with the program projected to launch by June 2025.
Moreover, the Nigerian government is making strides to reintegrate 10 million Out-of-School Children, particularly targeting those from the Almajiri system through teacher training and compensation. Funds from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) will be redirected to assist the Almajiri Commission in these efforts.
In terms of school safety, Dr. Alausa highlighted the enhanced Safe School Initiative, which comprises rapid response security forces operating under a centralized command to mitigate threats. Additionally, plans are in place to construct 195,000 classrooms, 28,000 toilets, and 22,900 boreholes nationwide by 2027, coupled with distributing 103 million textbooks to improve access to learning materials.
President Tinubu has also allocated a N120 billion start-up fund to foster entrepreneurial activities and vocational training for students and artisans throughout the country. The proposed training model will consist of students participating in three days of school, one day of training, and one day of workshops, emphasizing practical skills.
Additionally, the government remains committed to the national library project with an allocation of N40 billion. This initiative aims to enhance academic and research resources across the nation. Dr. Alausa commented on the presence of numerous universities in Nigeria, advising lawmakers to strengthen existing institutions rather than establish new ones. He also assured that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) would continue indefinitely, promoting increased investment in university infrastructure and recruitment of high-quality educators.
The Nigerian government’s initiative to train two million individuals in essential digital skills aims to address the significant skills gap in the digital workforce. Through the establishment of the Digital Training Academy, extensive resources will be allocated toward educational improvements and school safety. This multifaceted approach not only addresses immediate employment needs but also fosters a sustainable future for Nigeria’s educational landscape.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
