The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to equipping Nigerian youths with globally competitive digital skills through the Digital Training Academy, DTA, programme, as part of efforts to position them for opportunities in the global digital economy.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this during the signing ceremony of a deal with Coursera, a global online learning platform, to drive the initiative, on the sidelines of the Education World Forum in London.
Alausa described the programme as a strategic investment under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, aimed at empowering young Nigerians with the skills needed to compete and lead globally.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda recognises that digital competency is no longer optional. It is foundational.
“The Digital Training Academy is a direct investment in helping young Nigerians compete and lead in the global digital economy,” the minister stated.
In a statement, the Special Adviser to the Minister of on Media and Communication, Mr. Ikharo Attah, said under the initiative, the government is partnering with a global online learning platform, to provide training in artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, cloud computing, software engineering and other high-demand digital fields.
According to the minister, participants will earn globally recognised certifications valued by employers worldwide, thereby enhancing their access to international career opportunities.
The programme will be implemented in collaboration with the National Open University of Nigeria and the Yaba College of Technology to ensure nationwide accessibility and effective learning support.
Alausa explained that NOUN’s nationwide presence would guarantee equal access for participants across all geopolitical zones, while YABATECH would provide industry-focused facilitators, mentors and technical support throughout the training.
“Access to training alone is not enough. What truly changes lives is completion, support and accountability,” he stated.
While describing the initiative as “a covenant between government and Nigerian youth,” the minister assured that the Tinubu administration would continue investing in programmes that provide young Nigerians with the skills, confidence and credentials needed to thrive globally.
In what has been described as one of the largest government-funded digital skills investments in Nigeria’s history, the Federal Government has fully funded 36,000 licences across Coursera and for Nigerian youths in the first year of the programme.
The funding means participants will receive world-class digital training and certifications at no personal cost, removing financial barriers to accessing globally recognised qualifications.
According to the statement, the Federal Ministry of Education remains committed to expanding access to quality education, promoting digital innovation and preparing Nigerian youths for success in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
