NITDA Calls for Integration of Digital Skills in Education Loan Program
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NITDA Calls for Integration of Digital Skills in Education Loan Program
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has urged the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to prioritize accommodating individuals seeking to enroll in short courses aimed at equipping them with essential digital skills.
In a meeting with a delegation from NELFUND, led by Executive Secretary Mr. Akintunde Sawyer, held in Abuja, Inuwa emphasized the importance of adapting to the evolving global trend from certificate acquisition to skill acquisition.
Inuwa noted the potential of such an initiative to empower Nigerians with highly sought-after international talents, thereby positioning Nigeria as a hub for exporting skilled labor.
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He stressed the need for collaboration among stakeholders, including higher institutions of learning, corporate organizations, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and the government, to bridge the gap between skill acquisition and employment.
Regarding the collaboration between NITDA and the Federal Ministry of Education to review tertiary institution curricula, Inuwa underscored the importance of nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset among students, emphasizing the aim of acquiring certificates to create jobs rather than solely seeking traditional employment opportunities.
In addressing technical aspects, Inuwa recommended ensuring the accessibility and security of the NELFUND portal, advocating for a user acceptance test and compliance with data protection regulations.
In response, the Executive Secretary of NELFUND, Mr. Sawyer, emphasized the initiative’s goal of broadening access to tertiary education through interest-free loans, with the aim of enhancing individual, institutional, and national development.
According to him “Our mission is to strive to revolutionise higher education accessibility in Nigeria by providing interest-free loans to eligible students. We want to help as many people as possible get to the next level as it will benefit the individual, institutions, and the nation at large.”
