The Nigerian Ministry of Communications aims to empower youth for success in the digital economy by enhancing access to technical training and leveraging digital skills. The launch of Darey.io and Xterns.ai signifies a commitment to providing AI-driven, project-based learning. Efforts will focus on bridging gaps in skills, fostering collaboration, and creating job opportunities for millions in Nigeria.
The Nigerian Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, represented by Technical Adviser Francis Sani, expressed commitment to leveraging the potential of youth for success in the digital economy. This initiative is driven by the high global demand for digital skills. Mr. Sani made these remarks during the launch of the new tech hub, Darey.io and Xterns.ai, in Lagos, themed “Tech and Tea: Brewing Nigeria’s Technology Innovation Future.”
Mr. Sani emphasized that digital skills are vital for Nigeria’s economic growth, enabling access to the global outsourcing market. The Ministry is dedicated to providing technical training to all Nigerians, ensuring barriers such as financial and geographical constraints do not impede access. The collaboration with Darey.io aims to deliver AI-driven, project-based learning to improve training outcomes significantly.
The Ministry’s strategy is built on five key pillars: knowledge, policy, infrastructure, innovation, and trade, all aimed at fostering national development. Mr. Sani pointed to the nation’s youthful population as a strategic advantage in the evolving global digital economy and mentioned efforts to attract tech companies to Nigeria to create job opportunities for young people.
In terms of Artificial Intelligence, Mr. Sani remarked on its potential to revolutionize work and value creation, emphasizing the necessity for Nigeria to adapt to these transformative changes. Dare Oluwafunmilayo, the Founder and CEO of Darey.io, unveiled plans to resolve issues in Nigeria’s digital economy through strategic partnerships and infrastructure enhancements.
Mr. Olufunmilayo explained that the tech hub would provide a collaborative environment for young individuals to acquire essential digital skills and network with professionals, thereby establishing a robust talent pipeline for the digital economy. He stated, “Our aim is to offer young people a platform to gain skills, network with professionals, and build a pipeline of talent for the digital economy.”
Through the partnership with 3MTT, the initiative aims to train three million technical talents, utilizing digital tools for progress tracking. Mr. Olufunmilayo noted that over 5,000 individuals have already completed training in four and a half years, with an additional 100,000 participants enrolled in the 3MTT program. Importantly, all educational offerings are free, showcasing the power of public-private collaborations for economic development.
Furthermore, Mr. Olufunmilayo highlighted the necessity of soft skills alongside technical expertise, asserting that skills like communication and teamwork are crucial for securing employment. He confirmed that the hub is fostering a collaborative and innovative atmosphere, wherein professionals enhance the learning experience through training.
In an initiative for youth empowerment, the Dare Olufunmilayo Human Capital Foundation will be launched. Mr. Olufunmilayo stated, “The foundation aims to partner with organisations to provide laptops and stipends, supporting talented individuals and encouraging economic growth.” He also indicated that recognized certifications would be offered, including credentials from major platforms such as Microsoft, AWS, and Google, alongside in-house certifications from Darey.io.
In summary, Nigeria is poised to harness the capabilities of its young population to thrive in the digital economy. The government’s strategic partnerships and initiatives aim to provide accessible technical training, bridge skill gaps, and foster innovation and entrepreneurship. Through these efforts, Nigeria seeks to position itself favorably within the global digital landscape, ultimately stimulating economic growth and job creation.
Original Source: gazettengr.com
