President Bola Tinubu has introduced a skills training initiative in Nigeria to bridge the digital workforce gap. This program will provide free six-month training to two million Nigerians in software development, cybersecurity, AI, and cloud computing. The government plans to establish a Digital Training Academy and has committed to improving educational infrastructure and opportunities for out-of-school children.
President Bola Tinubu has unveiled an initiative aimed at alleviating the skills gap within Nigeria’s digital workforce. The plan entails offering free, six-month skills training, targeting the training of two million Nigerians in crucial sectors like software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing.
Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, made the announcement during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja. He referenced a UNESCO report indicating Nigeria is experiencing a significant shortage of skilled workers, with close to two million vacancies across various digital fields. Notably, there are 650,000 openings in software development, 280,000 in cybersecurity, and numerous others across emerging technologies.
In response to this challenge, the Nigerian government will establish a Digital Training Academy (DTA), aimed at equipping young engineers and professionals with essential training, including coverage for internet services and certifications from reputable global technology firms.
Dr. Alausa articulated the initiative’s objective of providing Nigerians with competitive digital skills of international standard. The program is anticipated to commence in June 2025 and is part of a larger strategy to bolster Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education aligned with the nation’s workforce requirements.
The government is also endeavoring to reintegrate approximately 10 million Out-of-School Children, particularly those belonging to the Almajiri system, by focusing on teacher training and support. Furthermore, funding from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) will be diverted to enhance the Almajiri Commission’s programs.
Regarding school security, the Minister emphasized the enhancement of the Safe School Initiative, which features rapid response security teams that operate under a centralized command to address potential threats. Additionally, Dr. Alausa announced plans for building 195,000 classrooms, 28,000 toilets, and 22,900 boreholes by 2027, as well as distributing 103 million textbooks to facilitate consistent access to learning materials in schools.
In support of student entrepreneurship and vocational training, President Tinubu has approved a N120 billion start-up fund. The proposed training model includes a regimen where students spend three days at school, one day engaged in training, and another day in workshops, prioritizing practical experience (80% practical, 20% theory).
The government is reaffirming its commitment to the national library project with an initial allocation of N40 billion, aimed at bolstering academic and research resources nationwide. Concerns regarding the proliferation of universities were also addressed by the Minister, who advocated for strengthening existing institutions over creating new ones. He reassured that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) will persist indefinitely, countering previous speculation about its discontinuation by 2030. Moreover, he pledged increased investment in university infrastructure and the hiring of highly qualified educators to enhance the quality of education.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s new initiative led by President Bola Tinubu aims to address the critical skills gap in the digital workforce by providing free training to two million individuals. The establishment of a Digital Training Academy and a focus on STEM education are pivotal components of this initiative. Simultaneously, the government’s efforts to improve school security, infrastructure, and support for out-of-school children signify a comprehensive approach to enhancing education and vocational training across the nation.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
