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Tag: digital skills

  • Fed govt inaugurates committee to train one million Nigerians in digital skills

    Fed govt inaugurates committee to train one million Nigerians in digital skills

    • …targets 95% digital literacy by 2030
    • …says programme is privately funded, aligns with Renewed Hope Agenda

    The federal government has inaugurated a Joint Implementation Committee (JIC) to plan a National Digital Literacy Conference and oversee the training and certification of one million Nigerians in digital and emerging skills, as part of efforts to attain 95 per cent digital literacy by 2030.

    The committee was inaugurated in Abuja on Tuesday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO), Office of the SGF, Mr Ibrahim Kana, at the launch of the ClergyWealth Digital Skills Nigeria (SkillUp) Initiative.

    Speaking at the event, Kana described the inauguration as “a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s deliberate and strategic commitment to deepening national digital literacy, strengthening human capital development, and promoting inclusive digital transformation in line with national development priorities.”

    He said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Digital Transformation Agenda, the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Kana stressed that the programme, which is being implemented under the Future Proof Economy (FPE) Model, is fully sponsored and executed by ClergyWealth Cooperative Society Limited, without any financial commitment from the Federal Government.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the ClergyWealth Digital Skills Nigeria (SkillUp) Initiative is one hundred per cent privately sponsored, funded, and implemented by ClergyWealth Cooperative Society Limited. The Federal Government of Nigeria bears no financial obligation, budgetary provision, or funding responsibility in respect of this programme,” he said.

    According to him, recent resolutions of the 13th National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (NCCIDE) provide strong policy backing for the initiative, including the adoption of the FPE Model as the official framework for the National Digital Literacy Framework and the decision to establish a Presidential Digital Literacy Management Structure from March 2026.

    “The task before this committee is therefore both national in scope and strategic in importance,” Kana said, noting that the JIC is expected to provide leadership, coordination, and oversight for the planning of the National Digital Literacy Conference, as well as the rollout and delivery of the training and certification of one million Nigerians.

    Members of the committee were drawn from the Office of the SGF, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the Federal Ministry of Education, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, TETFund, NITDA, states and the Federal Capital Territory, ICT professional bodies, non-governmental organisations, and ClergyWealth.

    Outlining the committee’s terms of reference, Kana said it would ensure policy alignment, coordinate stakeholders at federal and state levels, establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and guarantee inclusivity, with particular attention to youth, women, underserved communities, and persons with disabilities.

    Earlier, the Deputy National Coordinator of ClergyWealth Cooperative Society Limited, Mrs Rosemary Osikoya, said the SkillUp Initiative is designed to train one million Nigerian youths for remote work and global technology opportunities through practical digital literacy and internationally recognised certification.

    She explained that the programme would go beyond basic digitalisation by offering hands-on training in digital tools, online safety, and digital entrepreneurship, adding that each training batch would last about six months and cover six modules.

    “At the end of the Digital Literacy Academy, we would have trained one million youths and equipped them for remote work and global tech opportunities,” Osikoya said, noting that successful participants would sit for international certification examinations and receive personal computers to support their productivity.

    She added that the initiative targets clergy, civil society leaders, rural dwellers, and youths across all faiths, while also complementing ClergyWealth’s artisan empowerment schemes, microcredit support, and access to a global job portal.

    The committee, chaired by Kana, includes Zainab Abubakar, Ebi, Ifeanyi Okereke, Joe Odoh, Mohammed Tambuwal, Rosemary Osikoya, and Grace Amaefule, among others, as members.

  • Foundation trains 1,000 children, teenagers in digital skills

    Foundation trains 1,000 children, teenagers in digital skills

    No fewer than 1,000 children and teenagers have been trained in digital skills by the Glow Foundation for Children Empowerment and Development, as part of its annual outreach programme to equip young people with tools for the future.

    The conference, tagged “1000 2.0,” held in FESTAC Town, Lagos, featured a range of activities, including digital literacy classes, tech empowerment sessions, awards and scholarships, exclusive mentorship slots, spiritual upliftment and blessings, as well as games.

    The children, aged between six and 18, were exposed to practical training in digital marketing, graphic design, and data analytics, while selected participants will enjoy full scholarships for advanced learning with partner organisations.

    Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Glow Foundation, Opeyemi Deborah Idowu, said the project stemmed from her desire to “do something beyond herself” and help children, particularly those from marginalised communities.

    “I started in 2018 by visiting orphanages on my birthdays instead of hosting parties. The joy I felt convinced me that I couldn’t stop. Today, Glow Foundation is reaching thousands of children and giving them hope,” she said.

    She explained that the foundation, which was officially registered in 2022, has, in three years, impacted thousands of children through skills acquisition and empowerment. Last year alone, it reached more than 7,000 children across 44 coastal communities in Ibeju-Lekki, teaching them vocational skills such as hairdressing, baking, soap making, and craft work.

    “This year, we decided to move beyond the slums to focus on digital empowerment. We are preparing children for the digital future. Beyond this training, we will be enrolling some of them on scholarships and working with partners to provide laptops and digital devices,” Idowu added.

    Director of Strategic Development and Partnerships at the foundation, Kehinde Adelakin, said the initiative has grown steadily from 1,000 children in 2021 to over 7,000 in 2023, thanks to collaborations with schools, NGOs, churches, and community groups.

    He stressed that the mentorship element introduced this year will sustain the training.

    “I personally mentored four participants in data analytics. Other facilitators are mentoring children in digital marketing and graphic design. We also distributed books, school bags, and other learning materials donated by our partners,” he said.

    According to him, the foundation enjoys the support of more than 50 partners and sponsors, including OASIS International and Nobunga Security, who have consistently backed the programmes.

    The foundation also announced plans to establish a tuition-free secondary school in Lagos, targeted at children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

    Idowu maintained that funding challenges will not deter the vision:

    “With God’s love driving us, and with consistent partnerships, we can only grow bigger and better. Our mission is to help children see beyond their limitations and believe in the greatness within them,” she said.

    Digital marketing expert Martins Nkemakolam urged children to embrace digital marketing skills early in life to prepare them for the future of work and enable them to earn income even while in school.

    Speaking on the importance of the topic, he explained that digital marketing has become one of the most vital skills in today’s world, stressing that early exposure will empower young people to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.

    “The world is becoming digital, and every day there’s something new to learn. Digital marketing has come to stay. You don’t need to go out to sell your products anymore — you can do it from the comfort of your home,” he said.

    He added that many business owners now rely on skilled marketers to manage their online presence, noting that if young people begin to learn these skills early, they can start earning while still in school.

    “If they have this knowledge at a young age, by the time they get into the university, they’ll already be grounded. They can earn extra income while studying, and by the time they graduate, they’ll be professionals who can impact others. This will create a cycle of empowerment,” he stated.

    Explaining his approach to engaging the children, Nkemakolam said he intends to simplify his teaching so that even younger participants can understand and share what they learn with their peers and parents.

    “I’ll break it down in a way that even a six or seven-year-old can understand. Though it’s not primarily for that age group, I want them to grasp the basics and be able to talk about it with others,” he said.

    Drawing from personal experience, he revealed that he began his journey into digital marketing at 17, during his school days, and believes that with the availability of modern tools, it’s now even easier for young learners to acquire these skills.

    Nkemakolam also addressed concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) taking over human jobs, emphasizing that technology still depends on human control and innovation.

    “People say AI will take your job — but AI cannot just take your job; you have to program it. You must build yourself too. When you get to that point, AI will still be answerable to you because it is humans who automate and give commands,” he said.

    He encouraged the children to view technology as an opportunity rather than a threat and to position themselves as creators and innovators in the digital space.

    “The key lesson I want them to take home,” he concluded, “is that as the world evolves, they too must evolve. Learn the skills, stay relevant, and be ready to lead the change.”

    At the end of the training, Idowu delivered an inspiring message to the children, urging them to stay focused, avoid negative influences, choose their friends wisely, and strive to be responsible citizens.

  • FG unveils new school curriculum, focuses on digital skills, AI, entrepreneurship

    FG unveils new school curriculum, focuses on digital skills, AI, entrepreneurship

    A detailed breakdown of the newly introduced national school curriculum has been released by the federal government, with a strong emphasis on digital learning, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

    Presidential aide on social media, Dada Olusegun, shared the full subject list for Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) on Wednesday via his X handle.

    He confirmed that the curriculum, launched on Sunday, will take effect from September 2025.

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    At the JSS level, compulsory subjects will include Digital Literacy & Coding alongside Mathematics, English, Integrated Science, Social Studies, Languages, Creative Arts, and Physical & Health Education.

    For SSS, the curriculum expands to include Programming, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Foreign Languages, Environmental Science, and Digital Entrepreneurship, in addition to advanced Mathematics, Sciences, Social Sciences, Arts, and Research/Project Work.

    According to the federal government, the reform aims to equip Nigerian students with 21st-century skills and prepare them for the demands of a competitive global economy.

  • Fayinka admonishes Mushin youths to shun cybercrime, embrace digital skills

    Fayinka admonishes Mushin youths to shun cybercrime, embrace digital skills

    The week-long free digital skill training came to a successful close recently, at Hon. Toyin Fayinka’s Constituency Office, with the presentation of certificates to over 200 participants. 

    The event also doubled as the celebration of the 2025 International Youth Day.

    Speaking at the grand finale, several high-profile youth and community leaders admonished Mushin youths to embrace the opportunities in digital skills rather than indulge in cybercrime. 

    They urged participants to put into practice their newly acquired knowledge in videography, photography, and digital creativity to earn sustainable income and contribute positively to society.

    Read Also: Court acquits doctor of cybercrime charges

    Among the dignitaries present were Hon. Moremi Ojodu, SSA to the President on Community Engagement (South West); Hon. Owolabi Jamiu Falana, Permanent Board Member LASUBEB; Hon. Olatunbosun Aruwe Chairman Mushin Local Government; Hon. Ruth Lijirin, SSA to the Lagos State Governor on Civic Engagement; councillors, party stalwarts, and community leaders. 

    They inspired the youths by sharing personal experiences and encouraging them to remain focused and consistent in developing themselves.

    Hon. Toyin Fayinka, represented by his legislative aide Mr. Olufela Agoro, delivered the MHR’s goodwill message. 

    He encouraged the beneficiaries never to relent in learning, assuring them of his continued commitment to youth empowerment and capacity development initiatives. 

    He also urged them to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise to register, update, or transfer their voter cards, stressing the importance of civic participation.

    Hon. Fayinka further appreciated the facilitators, mentors, and partners particularly Yusluv Media and Craft Residence for their immense contributions to the success of the program.

    Other notable dignitaries included Alhaji Fatai Idowu, Chairman Justice Forum Mushin; executives of the Justice Forum Mushin Apex Body; Hon. Adeleye Olusoji, APC Mushin LGA Vice Chairman; Comrade Olusoji Oredola, NYCN Mushin Coordinator; Justice Forum League of Ward Chairmen; women leaders; and other respected stakeholders.

  • 5,000 young Nigerians to benefit from digital skills training initiative

    5,000 young Nigerians to benefit from digital skills training initiative

    In a significant move to bridge Nigeria’s digital skills gap, two leading organizations have announced a partnership to train 5,000 young Nigerians in vital technology and digital fields. The initiative, a collaboration between digital marketing agency Pulseford and bill payment platform Otapay, aims to equip the next generation with practical skills needed for success in the digital economy.

    The program, launching in July 2025 through Pulseford Business School, will provide hands-on training in areas such as digital marketing, branding, website development, data science, cybersecurity, and content creation.

    With up to 93% of tuition costs covered by Otapay, the flagship Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing will be offered at a reduced fee of ₦38,500, down from ₦550,000. This substantial scholarship is expected to make the training accessible to youths from diverse backgrounds, particularly those in underserved communities.

    Classes will be available in major cities including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Ibadan, as well as virtually for remote learners. The curriculum is designed around real-world projects and industry mentorship, ensuring that participants graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Graduates will receive globally recognized certifications and complete live projects as part of their final assessments.

    Pulseford Business School, which has already trained over 500 students across 15 countries, is known for its flexible online and hybrid programs. The school’s alumni include entrepreneurs, freelancers, and remote professionals who are now thriving in the digital economy.

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    According to Ikechukwu Mbadiwe, founder of Pulseford, the initiative is about more than just education. “We don’t just run ads, we engineer growth. Our mission is to position African businesses at the forefront of the global digital economy,” he said. Otapay, which allocates 15% of its profits to education, health, and tech development initiatives, emphasized its commitment to supporting youth empowerment and digital inclusion across Nigeria.

    With applications now open, the program is expected to attract thousands of young Nigerians eager to gain the skills needed to compete in an increasingly digital world.

    Organizers say the initiative is a significant step toward closing the country’s digital skills gap and fostering national development through technology.

  • CPN, NBTE collaborate to tackle digital skills gaps

    CPN, NBTE collaborate to tackle digital skills gaps

    • …develop 35 new ICT occupational standards 

    The Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) have developed new 35 National Occupational Standards (NOS) aimed at addressing the digital skills gaps as well as shaping the future of ICT education in Nigeria.

    The Registrar of Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria, Muhammed Aliyu said this was in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

    Aliyu, who spoke during the ongoing three-day validation workshop on NOS in ICT in Abuja on Wednesday, added that these digital skills would enable entrepreneurial development, job creation, employment and National development.

    He revealed that the CPN has been granted the status of awarding body by the NBTE for all Information and Communication Technology related skills under the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).

    Aliyu said that candidates who would be trained using these National Occupational Standards would be able to work, to develop the local economy, and be available to outsourced opportunities.

    He said: “Information Technology is a dynamic profession, innovations and developments is taking place daily globally, this necessitated our foray into studying the current National Occupational Standards in (NOS) in ICT to ensure it is in line with current trend in IT practice. 

    “We identified some gaps and developed standards for new areas in ICT like Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, UI-UX to ensure Nigerians acquires ICT skills qualifications that position them to compete globally and relevant to employer of labour in the IT industry.”

    Aliyu said the council understands the importance of stakeholders in the IT ecosystem for this validation exercise and appreciated them all for creating the time to attend the workshop despite the short notice.

    He added: “As the awarding body, we are here with the sector state council and also the regulators, the Nigeria Board for Technical Education (NBTE), through the royal blessing of our Executive Secretary, that we find time now to validate all 35, which is one of the most amazing moments because we have 35 different NOS that we are validating today.

    “What we intend to achieve is to address the digital skills gap in the country. On these particular skills that we are trying to validate, the standard upon which every other will now be based will output the general standards for digital skills training in the country.

    “So, with that particular aspect and having been given the opportunity to be the awarding body for ICT, we have a sector skill council in Nigeria. Under that, we were able to start with the NBTE. NBTE relates to matters concerning polytechnics in Nigeria.

    “We are happy for the fact that setting IT educational standards is one of our co-mandates. And we are also part of the Ministry of Education, which gives us an advantage in ensuring that each sector you are calling, like universities, colleges of education, and so on, is reached. By this validation, we are going to have a standard that is globally accepted, which can be used for all the digital skills that are needed in the country.”

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    The Executive Secretary of NBTE, Prof. Idris Mohammad Bugaje, represented by Director of Curriculum, NBTE, Dr. Musa Koko commended the registrar of the Council for providing the platform for the wonderful initiative.

    According to him, data protection and privacy required nothing less than 500 experts.

    Giving an overview of the new NOS for ICT, the Head of Business Development at CPN, Mr. Benjamin Prince, said the council is open to collaboration to build the sector.

    He said the target of the council is to ensure that 1.5m Nigerians acquire digital skills through the CPN. 

    To achieve this, he said the council has registered some centres. 

  • Tech firm trains youths on digital skills

    Tech firm trains youths on digital skills

    • By Rofiat Aderounmu

    Access Corporation and NerdzFactory Foundation has concluded the fifth edition of the DigiGap 5.0 Programme to bridge Nigeria’s digital skills gap.

    Director of NerdzFactory Foundation, Ade Olowojoba, described the DigiGap Programme as a “catalyst for transformation,” highlighting its role in shaping participants’ futures while contributing to Nigeria’s growing tech ecosystem.

    Olowojoba said: “As the country continues to assert itself as a player in the global tech industry, initiatives like DigiGap are key to building a competitive workforce. This initiative, aimed at empowering young Nigerians with essential technology skills, provided training for 500 youths in Lagos over a four-week period.” According to him, participants were immersed in intensive courses on Product Design and Digital Marketing through a hybrid learning model that combined online and in-person sessions.

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    This approach, he said, allowed participants to gain not only technical knowledge but also practical experience, preparing them for the challenges of the digital economy.

    He added that the program also emphasized soft skills, including communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—critical abilities for navigating the modern workplace.

    Participants expressed that the program boosted their confidence and improved their career prospects, further validating its impact.

    Access Corporation and NerdzFactory pledged to continue expanding the program in future editions, with the goal of driving social innovation and fostering human capital development in Nigeria’s burgeoning tech sector.

  • 5000 students benefit from digital skills programme

    5000 students benefit from digital skills programme

    No fewer than 5,000 students in Lagos State have benefited from a digital skill programme organized by The TECH IT! Digital Learning Festival, an initiative of The Creative Kids Zone Initiative (TCKZone).

    The programme has transformed public secondary schools across Lagos State into beacons of digital learning, empowering thousands of students with essential digital skills.

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    The event took place across over 600 public schools, with approval and backing from the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.

    Supported by all six Lagos State Educational Districts, the festival featured workshops, tech exhibitions, and keynote addresses focused on digital literacy and technology’s role in the future.

    The  National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, served as the alpha location on the 18th of September 2024, hosting 5,000 students, who engaged in hands-on tech activities, while thousands of others participated from mini-centres in their respective schools, led by teachers and volunteers.

  • Job, digital skills: Webinar for youths to hold Sept 21, 22

    Job, digital skills: Webinar for youths to hold Sept 21, 22

    A webinar designed for graduates, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, and undergraduate students who are eager to equip themselves with the skills, insights, and strategies necessary to thrive in the job market is set to hold in September.

    The session titled: “Future-Ready: Thriving in a Changing Workforce”, is convened by the host, Amos Ogunola, and will hold on 21st & 22nd September 2024, around 7:00 PM (WAT)

    Participants are required to register via: bit.ly/FutureReadyWebinar24

    According to Amos, the webinar will feature top HR professionals and tech experts who will share their insights on how Nigeria’s youth can adapt to the ever-changing workforce.

    Some of the speakers include: Lucy Bolaji – HR Professional; Dara Olumide – Lifecycle Marketing Manager; Ayooluwa Bamgbade – Project Coordinator, Crystal EV Charging, UK; Ijeoma Nkiruka Onwordi – Head of Corporate Services, Tetarcore Energy Group

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    During the sessions, attendees will learn about CV revamping, Employability skills that help in securing a job, and Digital skills that are essential for navigating the modern workplace.

    Speaking on the idea behind the webinar, he disclosed that it was to commemorate his upcoming birthday. Amos said: “As someone who has walked the path of uncertainty after graduation, I know the challenges Nigeria’s youth face in today’s job market.

    “I created this webinar to help address the skills gap many graduates encounter. It is no longer enough to graduate with good grades—you need to be digitally savvy, have a standout CV, and demonstrate employability skills that make you competitive.”

    Speaking further, he said: “When I left university in 2017, I was excited yet clueless about what lay ahead, even with my good grades. Like many young graduates, I was confident in my academic achievements, but I quickly realized that the working world was changing fast -and I wasn’t fully prepared.

    “I vividly remember attending the Impact Project by the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria on 17th March 2018. It was a robust training on business, social entrepreneurship, civic leadership, and public management.

    “That experience was the turning point in my journey toward skill development. I learned that to thrive in today’s world, one needs more than academic excellence – one needs skills that align with the evolving workforce.

    “A pivotal moment for me was when I attended a digital skills training by Microsoft at the Ibadan Business School, where I learned the essential tools that shaped my professional path. These experiences laid the foundation for what has now become a mission to equip young Nigerians with the tools to succeed in an evolving workforce.”

    The second phase of this initiative will include the Future-Ready University Tour, a tour of 30 universities across Nigeria, and will involve Bright Rays Care Foundation. This phase will focus on preparing students for future challenges, emphasizing digital skills, employability skills, and financial literacy to help them thrive in the 21st century. For media inquiries or further details, please contact: Abidemi.ogunola@gmail.com

  • Benue to generate 50,000 jobs from digital skills and ICT

    Benue to generate 50,000 jobs from digital skills and ICT

    The Benue State Government has said it would generate no fewer than 50,000 jobs at the end of its digital and ICT training for youths of the state.

    The state government commenced the training of 10,000 Benue youths in digital skills and ICT on Monday.

    The training, which will last for six months, is undertaken by the Benue Tech Skills Programme.

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    Lead Consultant of the programme, Jeffrey Udende, while briefing newsmen after assessing the commencement of the programme, commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for giving the Benue youth the opportunity to develop themselves.

    He said: “What the government is doing is not just training the youths but those who have done this successfully and have no jobs will be given jobs.

    “We are training 10,000 youths physically and online. We created the online classroom because of those who applied and went for NYSC. The good thing about the training is that the jobs are hanging. This is the first government in Nigeria that is giving the youths intensive digital ICT training. In fact, the participants are doing very well and we are looking at exporting the talents before the end of the training period because all of them that are getting on well will get jobs.”