By Adeola Kunle
The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s education system to equip young Nigerians with digital competencies, practical skills and entrepreneurial capabilities required to thrive in the future of work.
The Minister gave the assurance while delivering the keynote address at the Cisco Networking Academy Instructor Safari Conference for English West and Central Africa, themed “Navigating the Future of Skills Development for the Nigerian Economy.”
Dr. Alausa emphasised that the Federal Government was transforming education from a system focused primarily on academic learning to one that prepares learners for productive employment, innovation and enterprise creation in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
He described technology as a critical vehicle for transforming education, noting that the ongoing curriculum reforms were integrating digital technology from the primary school level to establish a strong foundation for advanced digital competencies.
“Across every sector, digital technology is changing how we learn, work, communicate and create value. Our responsibility is to ensure that Nigerian young people have the opportunity to acquire these skills and apply them productively,” he said.
The Minister commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for prioritising human capital development under the Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that a technology-enabled education system was essential to improving national productivity, expanding economic opportunities and securing Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global economy.
He explained that the Federal Ministry of Education’s reform agenda, anchored on six priority areas, namely Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical Sciences (STEMM); Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET); reduction of out-of-school children; girl-child education; data and digitalisation; and quality assurance, was designed to strengthen learning outcomes and develop a workforce capable of responding to emerging economic demands.
According to him, digital competencies cut across these priorities, helping to improve scientific learning, strengthen practical instruction, expand access to educational opportunities and support evidence-based planning and quality assurance.
Dr. Alausa identified software development, networking, cybersecurity, data analytics, cloud computing and artificial intelligence as important areas of digital competence. However, he maintained that technical knowledge must be complemented by critical thinking, communication, teamwork and the ability to solve real-world problems.
He stressed that the success of digital training institutions should not be measured solely by examination results but by learners’ capacity to develop practical solutions, create useful products, improve services and establish sustainable businesses.
To strengthen the transition from training to employment, the Minister called for closer collaboration among educational institutions, industry stakeholders and employers, urging training providers to incorporate practical projects, mentorship, internships and recognised certifications into their programmes.
He noted that portfolios demonstrating learners’ practical achievements would improve their prospects for employment, entrepreneurship and further learning, while ensuring that training remained relevant to workplace needs.
The Minister also underscored the importance of inclusive digital development, calling for equitable access to affordable connectivity, digital devices and accessible learning resources for girls and young women, persons with disabilities, rural learners and those facing financial barriers.
He highlighted the importance of partnerships in expanding digital access, strengthening instructor capacity and ensuring that technological opportunities reached underserved communities.
In a related address, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, drew on his experience as a Cisco Networking Academy alumnus to emphasise that digital skills could transform career trajectories and prepare Nigerians for changing workplace demands. He urged instructors to prioritise complex problem-solving, critical thinking and lifelong learning over examination success alone, while highlighting collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education to integrate digital literacy into school curricula and tertiary education.
Dr. Alausa assured Nigerians that the Federal Ministry of Education would sustain the implementation of education reforms under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, deepen partnerships with industry and development partners, and expand access to quality digital skills training to ensure that Nigerian youths are adequately prepared for emerging employment opportunities, entrepreneurship and the demands of the future economy.
The Minister formally declared the Cisco Networking Academy Instructor Safari Conference for English West and Central Africa open, expressing confidence that sustained investment in digital education and skills development would produce competent professionals, innovative entrepreneurs and a workforce capable of driving Nigeria’s national prosperity.
Adeola Kunle
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