NITDA, NYSC, Youth Ministry Partner to Train 30 Million Nigerians in New Digital Skills
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NITDA, NYSC, Youth Ministry Partner to Train 30 Million Nigerians in New Digital Skills
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has partnered with the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to launch a comprehensive digital literacy initiative.
This effort is a key part of NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) and aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to reform the economy through inclusive growth and digital empowerment.
The formalization of this strategic partnership took place at the NYSC Secretariat in Abuja, marking a significant step toward bridging the digital divide and equipping the next generation with essential digital skills.
The initiative targets 30 million Nigerian youths, including NYSC members, providing practical training in software development, data analytics, cybersecurity, and digital marketing by 2027.
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Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi CCIE, the Director General of NITDA, emphasized the crucial role of digital literacy in enhancing productivity and skill development.
He highlighted the global challenge of a predicted 85 million talent deficit by 2030, which could lead to an annual economic loss of $8.5 trillion if not addressed.
“We developed the National Digital Literacy Framework with an ambitious target of achieving 95% digital literacy by 2030, with a mid-term target of 70% by 2027,” Inuwa stated.
This framework aims to ensure universal access to digital literacy and readiness for future digital demands.
The implementation plan includes training NYSC members during their service year and appointing them as digital literacy ambassadors.
This approach involves onboarding Corp Members on digital platforms, continuous learning opportunities, and community-based teaching of digital skills. “Our target is how can we leverage your platform to deepen that digital literacy,” Inuwa noted, stressing the collective effort needed from the government, private sectors, and stakeholders to promote digital solutions.
Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, the Minister of State for Youth, commended the collaboration and emphasized unity of purpose in achieving the shared goals.
“Regardless of where you come from, as long as, at the end of the day, the Nigerian youth are in a better position from where they are coming from, that is what is important,” he said, appreciating the commitment and dedication of all involved.
Brig Gen YD Ahmed, the Director General of NYSC, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative and assured full cooperation.
“This process for us in NYSC is a very good one, and there is no any iota of doubt we are going to fully collaborate with NITDA to grab the process,” he affirmed.
