NASCO trains 800 youths in AI, digital skills across Nigeria

NASCO Group, in commemoration of World Youth Skills Day 2025, hosted capacity building workshop themed “Youth Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills,” impacting over 800 Nigerian youths both physically and virtually.

The event, held in Jos under NASCO’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, brought together young Nigerians aged 15–35 for a day of training, dialogue, and inspiration focused on future-relevant skills.

In his opening remarks, Shehu Nyalun, Group General Manager of Administration at NASCO, emphasized the organization’s commitment to societal development.

“This capacity-building workshop is our unique contribution to society. We are confident that it will add real value to all participants,” he stated.

He applauded the youth for their interest and passion, noting their role as “true vision-bearers of this initiative.”

The workshop attracted 600 online participants and 200 in-person attendees, including students, graduates, job seekers, technology enthusiasts, and aspiring entrepreneurs.

It featured a panel session with experts in technology, education, human resources, and digital entrepreneurship, followed by a hands-on session to equip participants with practical digital skills.

Delivering a keynote address, Cletus Shurkuk, Plateau State Commissioner of Science and Technology stressed the urgency of upskilling Nigeria’s youth amid rapid technological change.

“In just three years, many jobs could be lost due to tech disruption. But the silver lining is that up to 90 million new roles are projected to emerge globally, particularly in countries investing in digital education,” he said.

Shurkuk emphasized that youth must not only consume technology but must also innovate with it. “Digital skills are no longer optional, they are essential. A young person with the right skills can work and compete anywhere in the world,” he noted.

He called for deliberate collaboration between government, private sector, and youth to embrace the AI-driven future.

The event also served as a platform to discuss the growing relevance of AI in sectors such as health, agriculture, education, and business. Experts on the panel encouraged participants to explore careers in emerging fields like data science, cybersecurity, biotechnology, and smart agriculture where demand for digital expertise is rapidly increasing.

Participants engaged actively in question and answer sessions, where they sought guidance on career development, startup funding, and how to access free learning resources. Many expressed gratitude for the opportunity, describing the workshop as “eye-opening” and “a vital bridge to global competitiveness”.