President Bola Tinubu has launched a skills training initiative aimed at equipping two million Nigerians with digital skills to fill vacancies in critical sectors such as software development and cybersecurity. The initiative includes establishing a Digital Training Academy and promoting STEM education. Complementary efforts address school infrastructure and security, with a N120 billion fund for student entrepreneurial activities.
President Bola Tinubu has introduced a skills training initiative aimed at bridging the skills gap in Nigeria’s digital workforce. The program will provide free six-month skills training to equip two million Nigerians for critical vacancies in fields such as software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing.
The announcement was made by Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa at the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja. According to a UNESCO report, Nigeria faces a significant shortage of skilled workers, with nearly two million job vacancies in areas including 650,000 in software development and 280,000 in cybersecurity.
To tackle this issue, the Nigerian government is establishing a Digital Training Academy (DTA) to train young engineers and professionals in essential digital skills, covering training costs, internet services, and certification from reputable tech companies like Cisco and Google. The program aims to equip Nigerians with recognized global skills and is set to launch by June 2025, in conjunction with promoting STEM education.
In addition to addressing the digital skills gap, the government is also focused on reintegrating 10 million Out-of-School Children, particularly those in the Almajiri system, by training and compensating teachers, utilizing funds from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
Concerning school safety, Dr. Alausa highlighted an enhanced Safe School Initiative, which includes quick response security teams ready to address threats through a centralized command system. Plans are also underway for constructing 195,000 classrooms, 28,000 toilets, and 22,900 boreholes by 2027, alongside distributing 103 million textbooks to schools.
A N120 billion start-up fund has been approved by President Tinubu to support students’ entrepreneurial activities and vocational training. The proposed training model will consist of three days in school, one day in training, and one day for workshops, prioritizing practical learning.
Moreover, the government reaffirms its commitment to the national library project with an allocated N40 billion and aims to enhance academic and research resources across Nigeria. Dr. Alausa addressed concerns regarding the growing number of universities, suggesting a focus on strengthening existing institutions rather than creating new ones, and assured that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) would persist indefinitely, with increased investments in university infrastructure and educator recruitment.
In summary, President Bola Tinubu’s skills training initiative seeks to address the digital workforce shortage by providing free training for two million Nigerians in key areas. The government’s broader educational reforms include reintegrating out-of-school children, enhancing school security, and improving infrastructure and resources. This comprehensive approach is designed to foster a skilled workforce and improve the overall educational landscape in Nigeria.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
