By Adeniji Samuel
The Federal Government has committed ₦10.5 billion to the Digital Training Academy (DTA), an initiative designed to equip 32,000 Nigerians with relevant digital and professional skills for improved employability and participation in the global digital economy.
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, disclosed this at the official launch of the Digital Training Academy, explaining that the programme was established to address Nigeria’s skills gap while creating a direct link between professional training, certification, employment, entrepreneurship and national development.
Alausa said the initiative is being implemented under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The programme is being delivered in partnership with leading global learning platforms, including Coursera and Pluralsight. Beneficiaries will have access to free training in high-demand fields such as software development, artificial intelligence and machine learning, IT automation, cybersecurity, cloud computing, natural language processing and quantum computing.
According to the Minister, the selected areas of study are directly connected to the changing demands of the modern workplace and the growing opportunities emerging from the global digital economy.
He explained that participants who successfully complete their training will receive recognised certificates as evidence of the competencies and skills acquired.
Alausa stressed that the Federal Government's objective goes beyond increasing enrolment or issuing certificates, noting that the real measure of the programme's success would be its impact on the livelihoods, productivity and economic prospects of beneficiaries.
He said participants would be equipped with practical knowledge capable of helping them solve real-world challenges, improve business productivity and compete effectively within Nigeria and the international marketplace.
To ensure that lack of devices or internet connectivity does not prevent Nigerians from participating, the government is establishing learning centres with internet facilities and digital devices across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The Minister explained that applicants would enrol using their National Identification Numbers and provide information about their backgrounds and career interests. They would subsequently undergo a pre-assessment to determine the most appropriate learning pathway for each participant.
The system, he added, would enable the government to align learners with suitable courses while also tracking the outcomes and impact of its investment.
Alausa further explained that the Digital Training Academy would complement the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy by giving participants opportunities to obtain internationally recognised certifications.
He also identified the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP), under the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, as another pathway through which trained Nigerians could gain access to international employment opportunities.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, said her ministry was focused on expanding opportunities for Nigerian professionals both within the country and abroad.
Oduwole noted that the DTA complements NATEP, which is designed to connect Nigerian talent with international employers and buyers.
She disclosed that NATEP and its partners had recently introduced the “Hire from Nigeria” initiative to link Nigerian professionals and service providers with opportunities in the international market.
According to her, the programme is targeting one million export-linked, digitally enabled jobs by 2027.
She urged beneficiaries of the Digital Training Academy to maximise the opportunity by developing their capabilities and using their skills to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFund, Senator Mohammed Dandutse, encouraged Nigerian youths to take advantage of the programme.
He said digital training was critical to closing the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical technical competence, while pledging the committee’s support for research and innovation initiatives capable of improving the livelihoods of young Nigerians.
Former Minister of Aviation, Dr Osita Chidoka, also commended the initiative, describing the Digital Training Academy as a platform with the potential to produce innovators and problem-solvers.
Chidoka observed that digital expertise had become an essential requirement in a rapidly evolving global economy and expressed confidence that the programme would help Nigerian youths acquire the skills required to remain competitive as technology continues to transform industries and workplaces.
Alausa urged beneficiaries to approach the training with discipline, commitment and a clear sense of purpose.
He equally called on employers, technology companies, professional associations, educational institutions and development partners to support participants by providing internship, mentorship and employment opportunities.
The Minister emphasised that the full value of training can only be realised when acquired skills are connected to concrete opportunities for work, enterprise and career advancement.
Adeniji Samuel
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