FG funds 36,000 digital skills licences for Nigerian youths

…unveils digital skills programme for youths through Coursera partnership

The Federal Government has fully funded 36,000 digital skills training licences for Nigerian youths under the newly unveiled Digital Training Academy (DTA) programme aimed at equipping young Nigerians with globally relevant technology skills.

Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, disclosed this during the signing ceremony of the initiative held on the sidelines of the Education World Forum in London.

According to a statement signed by Ikharo Attah, Special Adviser (Media & Communications), the programme forms part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda focused on youth empowerment, innovation and human capital development.

Alausa described the Digital Training Academy as a strategic investment designed to prepare Nigerian youths for opportunities in the global digital economy.

“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 said

Through a partnership with Coursera, one of the world’s leading online learning platforms, participants will receive training in high-demand fields including artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, cloud computing and software engineering.

The Minister explained that beneficiaries would also earn globally recognised certifications valued by employers around the world, thereby positioning Nigerian youths for international career opportunities.

He further disclosed that, in one of the largest digital skills investments in Nigeria’s history, the fully funded 36,000 licences across Coursera and Pluralsight for the first year of the programme would give beneficiaries access to world-class digital training at no personal cost, as the government has covered the full cost of the programme to eliminate financial barriers and enable Nigerian youths obtain globally recognised digital qualifications.

Alausa said the programme would be implemented in collaboration with National Open University of Nigeria and Yaba College of Technology to ensure nationwide access and effective learning support for participants.

According to him, the nationwide presence of NOUN would guarantee equal access for youths across the country’s geopolitical zones, while YABATECH would provide industry-focused expertise, facilitators and mentorship support throughout the programme.

“Access to training alone is not enough. What truly changes lives is completion, support and accountability,” he stated.

The Minister described the agreement as a covenant between government and Nigerian youth, assuring that the Tinubu administration would continue investing in initiatives that equip young Nigerians with the skills, confidence and credentials required to compete globally.

He also commended Coursera, NOUN and YABATECH for partnering with the Federal Government to actualise the initiative.

The Federal Ministry of Education reiterated its commitment to expanding access to quality education, strengthening digital innovation and empowering Nigerian youths with the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving global economy.