FG Launches Free Digital Training for 32,000 Nigerians

The Federal Government has launched a Digital Training Academy that will provide 32,000 Nigerians with free digital training and global professional certifications.

Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, launched the academy on Monday in Abuja. He said the programme would help close Nigeria’s skills gap and improve access to jobs and business opportunities.

The initiative operates under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative, NESRI, and supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The government is implementing the programme with global learning platforms, including Coursera and Pluralsight.

Alausa said the academy would do more than provide access to online courses. He said it would connect learning with certification, employment, enterprise and economic development.

“Our objective here is very clear: to bridge Nigeria’s skills gap, improve employability and enable more of our citizens to take part in the digital economy,” he said.

Participants will receive training in software development methodologies, artificial intelligence and machine learning. The programme also covers cybersecurity, cloud computing and IT automation.

Other areas include natural language processing and quantum computing. Alausa said the government selected fields that continue to reshape workplaces and economies worldwide.

He said beneficiaries would gain practical skills to solve problems and improve existing businesses. The training could also help participants create technology-driven enterprises and compete for opportunities globally.

The minister stressed that the government wanted digital training to reach Nigerians across different economic backgrounds.

He said financial limitations should not prevent citizens from accessing quality digital education. The government will therefore establish access centres across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The centres will provide internet connectivity and learning devices for participants without personal computers, smartphones or reliable internet access.

Alausa also outlined a structured process for selecting and tracking beneficiaries. Applicants will register with their National Identification Number and provide details about their backgrounds and career interests.

They will then undergo a pre-assessment before receiving placement on suitable learning pathways. The process will help the government match participants with relevant courses and monitor their progress.

Although the government targets 32,000 enrolments and 32,000 certificates, Alausa said certificates alone would not determine the programme’s success.

He said the real impact would depend on how beneficiaries use the skills they acquire. Expected outcomes include employment, improved business productivity and the creation of technology-based enterprises.

The programme will also support teachers in using digital tools and help professionals compete for opportunities in international markets.

Alausa urged participants to approach the training with discipline and commitment. He also challenged them to apply the knowledge gained and share it with others.

The academy will complement the 3 Million Technical Talent programme of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.

According to Alausa, Nigerians who have completed 3MTT training can now pursue global certifications through the Digital Training Academy.

He also linked the initiative to the National Talent Export Programme, NATEP, launched by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

The minister said the academy would create a pool of skilled Nigerians who could connect with international employment opportunities.

He called on employers, technology companies, professional bodies and educational institutions to support the programme.

Alausa urged them to provide internships, mentorship, project-based training and opportunities for employment or entrepreneurship.

“Training achieves its fullest value when it is connected to opportunity,” he said.

The minister said the initiative forms part of the Federal Government’s broader plan to make education a stronger driver of economic growth.

He said the government wants to expand access to quality learning while equipping Nigerians with skills that match the changing demands of the global economy.

Alausa subsequently declared the Digital Training Academy open and urged eligible Nigerians to take advantage of the opportunity.

He said the programme would help ensure that geography and financial hardship do not prevent Nigerians from gaining relevant digital skills and contributing to the economy.