The Federal Government and Wema Bank are partnering for the virtual training of two million youths, as well as micro, small and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) that signed on to the FGN/ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme which started on November 27, 2023.
The programme launched in September 2023, has so far seen thousands of business owners, aspiring business owners, working-class professionals and jobseekers expressing interest in developing their digital skills, enhancing their employability and deepening their business management skills.
The FGN/ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme for MSMEs aims to train two thousand youths and one million MSMEs, with a diverse range of digital skills.
These skills include software engineering, product management, business analysis, cloud computing, product design, and more. Applicants of the FGN/ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme can anticipate a holistic experience beyond virtual training as they will be exposed to hands-on physical training conducted at cutting-edge digital hubs strategically located nationwide.
At the recent unveiling of the virtual training for the first cohort of 270,000 participants, Moruf Oseni, managing director/CEO of Wema Bank, noted the transformative opportunity the programme represents for business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, job seekers, and professionals across Nigeria.
“Beyond mere skill acquisition, this programme is set to create a ripple effect of socioeconomic benefits across the nation. By empowering our youth, we are not just fostering individual successes; we are investing in the broader narrative of national progress, promoting job creation, boosting innovation, and paving the way for a more prosperous future.
“At its core, the FGN-ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme aims to build a marketplace for young entrepreneurs, providing digital skills that open doors to sustainable career development and expose small-scale business owners to funding and grants. Successful applicants will experience four months of learning on a tailored track, choosing between the SME route or the employment route. Overall, the FGN/ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme is more than just a training initiative; it’s a comprehensive ecosystem designed to foster innovation, growth, and success, shaping the next generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs and professionals,” said Oseni.
The Wema Bank noted that the FGN/ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme heralded a new era of digital empowerment.
“Upon completion of both virtual and physical training, participants will gain exclusive access to one-on-one mentorship sessions with esteemed professionals and business leaders from Nigeria and across the globe. This unique opportunity fosters networking, allowing participants to connect with peers and industry leaders, and cultivate valuable relationships. Furthermore, the programme opens doors to internship placements, providing a platform to gain practical experience and refine skills within a real-world work environment.”
Oseni said the Skillnovation Programme transcended conventional training by creating a comprehensive ecosystem that nurtures skills, mentorship, networking, practical experience, market visibility, and financial support. It is poised to make a profound impact on the youth and MSMEs in Nigeria.
