Nigeria’s Skills Training Initiative Aims to Fill Two Million…

President Bola Tinubu announces a programme to provide free six-month digital skills training for two million Nigerians, addressing significant skills shortages in crucial sectors. Implemented by the Digital Training Academy, the initiative includes funding for training and certification. Plans also focus on reintegrating out-of-school children, improving school security, and enhancing educational infrastructure nationwide, supported by a N120 billion fund for vocational training.

In a bid to bridge the skills gap in Nigeria’s digital economy, President Bola Tinubu has initiated a programme aimed at training two million Nigerians in vital digital skills over six months. These skills will address significant vacancies in sectors such as software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing, which are essential for the nation’s workforce advancement.

This announcement was made by Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the third edition of the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja. Dr. Alausa cited a UNESCO report indicating a critical shortage of skilled labor, highlighting nearly two million job vacancies, with specific counts including 650,000 in software development and 280,000 in cybersecurity, among others.

To address these issues, the government is establishing a Digital Training Academy (DTA) that will provide free training for young professionals in these fields. The initiative will encompass all training costs, including internet services and certifications from reputable tech companies such as Cisco and Google, ensuring participants acquire competitive skills.

The launch of this programme is expected by June 2025 and is part of a broader push to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in Nigeria. Additionally, the government aims to reintegrate the 10 million Out-of-School Children, particularly those in the Almajiri system, through teacher training and compensations, utilizing funds from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

On school security, Dr. Alausa discussed the Safe School Initiative, which features rapid response security teams to swiftly manage threats. Furthermore, ambitious infrastructural plans are set, including the construction of 195,000 classrooms and 28,000 toilets by 2027, along with the distribution of 103 million textbooks.

In support of entrepreneurial initiatives, President Tinubu has approved a N120 billion start-up fund to assist students and vocational training efforts nationwide. The educational model will combine in-school learning with practical training and workshops, prioritizing hands-on experience.

The government also reiterated its commitment to the national library project with an allocation of N40 billion, aimed at enhancing educational resources across Nigeria. Dr. Alausa addressed concerns regarding the proliferation of universities, advocating for strengthening existing institutions and ensuring the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) continues to receive investments for infrastructure and high-quality education.

In conclusion, Nigeria’s strategic training initiative serves as a critical response to the pressing skills gap within its digital workforce. With a focus on equipping two million individuals with essential skills for high-demand sectors, the programme is structured to enhance the nation’s economic and educational landscape significantly. Coupled with infrastructural developments and support for entrepreneurial activities, these measures aim to secure a robust future for Nigeria’s youth and economy.

Original Source: newscentral.africa