The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has launched the Digital Training Academy, a Federal Government initiative to equip 32,000 Nigerians with digital and professional skills for improved employability and participation in the global digital economy.
Speaking at the launch on Monday, Alausa said the academy was established under the Renewed Hope Agenda through the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI).
The Minister said the programme goes beyond providing online courses by linking learning and professional certification to employment, entrepreneurship and national development.
“The Federal Government’s objective is to bridge Nigeria’s skills gap, improve employability and enable more Nigerians to participate meaningfully in the digital economy,” he said.
The academy will provide free access to high-quality training through partnerships with Coursera and Pluralsight.
Training areas include software development, artificial intelligence and machine learning, IT automation, cybersecurity, cloud computing, natural language processing and quantum computing.
Successful participants will receive recognised certificates upon completion.
Alausa said the programme was designed with equity in mind to ensure digital learning is not limited to those who can afford devices or internet access.
He disclosed that access centres equipped with internet connectivity and learning devices are being established across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to enable full participation.
The learner journey will require applicants to register with their National Identification Number, NIN, provide background and career information, undertake a pre-assessment, and proceed through a tailored learning pathway to enable monitoring and measurable outcomes.
The Minister said the academy will complement other government initiatives, including the 3 Million Technical Talent, 3MTT, programme of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP) of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
He noted that 3MTT graduates can obtain global certifications through the academy, while NATEP can leverage the pipeline of trained Nigerians for international employment opportunities.
Alausa urged beneficiaries to approach the programme with discipline and consistency.
“The Federal Government is investing in you because we believe in your potential. Justify the investment by pursuing excellence and extending the benefits of your knowledge to your workplaces and communities,” he said.
He also called on employers, technology companies, professional bodies, educational institutions, development partners and state governments to support the programme with internships, mentorship, and employment pathways.
The Minister said success will be measured not just by 32,000 enrolments and certifications, but by graduates securing jobs, entrepreneurs building tech-enabled businesses, and professionals competing globally.
He formally declared the Digital Training Academy launched and urged eligible Nigerians to take advantage of the opportunity.