The Federal Government has committed ₦10.5 billion to a Digital Training Academy (DTA), to train 32,000 Nigerians in digital and professional skills aimed at boosting employability and participation in the global digital economy.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this known during the launch of the academy, stating that the scheme was created to close Nigeria’s skills gap and connect training and certification to jobs, entrepreneurship and national growth.
According to him, the DTA is being implemented under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI).
The programme, run in collaboration with international learning platforms such as Coursera and Pluralsight, will offer free training in fields including software development, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, IT automation, cybersecurity, cloud computing, natural language processing and quantum computing.
“These are not abstract courses. They are areas driving today’s workplaces, reshaping industries and opening new doors for jobs and business globally,” Alausa said.
He added that participants who complete the programme will receive recognised certificates to validate their skills.
Alausa said government’s focus is to ensure beneficiaries acquire practical knowledge they can use to solve real-life challenges, improve productivity and compete locally and internationally.
To make the programme more accessible, he said government is setting up learning centres fitted with internet access and digital devices across the 36 states and the FCT.
The centres are intended to assist Nigerians who do not have personal devices or stable internet connection to take part.
Applicants will enrol with their National Identification Number (NIN), provide details of their background and career goals, take a pre-assessment and then follow appropriate learning paths.
Alausa explained that this process will help place participants on suitable courses and enable government to track the results of its investment.
He stressed that the success of the initiative will not be judged only by enrolment figures or certificates issued, but by how it improves the earnings and productivity of beneficiaries.
The Minister noted that the DTA will complement the 3 Million Technical Talent, (3MTT), programme of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy by offering participants the chance to obtain global certifications.
He added that the National Talent Export Programme, NATEP, under the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, could help trained Nigerians access job opportunities abroad.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, said her ministry is focused on expanding opportunities for Nigerians both within and outside the country.
She said the DTA supports NATEP, which aims to link Nigerian talent with international employers and clients.
According to Oduwole, NATEP and its partners recently unveiled “Hire from Nigeria,” a platform designed to connect Nigerian professionals and service providers to global opportunities.
She said the programme is targeting one million export-linked, digitally-enabled jobs by 2027.
Oduwole urged beneficiaries to use the DTA to upgrade their skills and contribute to national development.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFund, Senator Mohammed Dandutse, encouraged young Nigerians to embrace the programme, noting that digital training will help bridge the gap between classroom theory and practical expertise.
He promised the committee’s backing for research and innovation initiatives that can enhance the livelihood of youths.
Former Minister of Aviation, Dr. Osita Chidoka, praised the initiative, describing it as a platform that can produce innovators and problem solvers.
Chidoka noted that digital competence is now essential in a fast-evolving world, adding that the programme will help young Nigerians stay competitive as technology continues to transform the global economy.
Alausa urged participants to approach the programme with seriousness and commitment, while calling on employers, tech firms, professional associations, schools and development partners to provide internship, mentorship and employment openings for graduates of the programme.
“Training becomes truly valuable when it is linked to opportunity,” he said.
