Nigeria has launched a six-month Digital Training Academy to equip 32,000 people with digital skills and professional certifications for jobs and entrepreneurship.
Education Minister Tunji Alausa said 72,850 applications were received nationwide, with 19,699 applicants meeting the requirements. About 16,000 people have been selected for the first cohort.
Participants will receive training in software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing and other emerging technologies.
The programme will provide access to global learning platforms including Coursera and Pluralsight, with participants able to pursue certifications from Google, IBM and Huawei.
The government said computers, internet access, facilitators and mentors will be provided through partnerships with the National Open University of Nigeria and Yaba College of Technology. It will also track participants’ certification, employment and business outcomes.