The Federal Government has fully funded 36,000 digital training licences for Nigerian youths under a new partnership with global online learning platforms, Coursera and Pluralsight, as part of efforts to prepare young Nigerians for opportunities in the global digital economy.
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Thursday during the signing ceremony of the Digital Training Academy programme held on the sidelines of the Education World Forum in London.
Alausa described the initiative as one of the largest government-funded digital skills investments in Nigeria’s history, saying it reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to youth empowerment, innovation and human capital development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the programme would provide free access to training in high-demand digital fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, cloud computing and software engineering.
He said: “The Renewed Hope Agenda recognises that digital competency is no longer optional. It is foundational.
“The Digital Training Academy is a direct investment in helping young Nigerians compete and lead in the global digital economy.”
The minister added that participants would earn globally recognised certifications that were valued by employers across the world, thereby improving their chances of securing international career opportunities.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser (Media & Communications, Ikharo Attah, he
explained that the programme would be implemented in collaboration with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and Yaba College of Technology to guarantee nationwide access and effective support for participants.
According to him, NOUN’s nationwide structure would ensure equal access for youths across all geopolitical zones, while YABATECH would provide industry-focused mentorship and technical support.
“Access to training alone is not enough. What truly changes lives is completion, support and accountability,” Alausa stated.
The minister described the agreement as “a covenant between government and Nigerian youth,” assuring that the Tinubu administration would continue investing in initiatives that equip young Nigerians with globally competitive skills and qualifications.
He also commended Coursera, NOUN and YABATECH for partnering with the Federal Government on the initiative.
The Federal Ministry of Education said the programme forms part of broader efforts to expand access to quality education, strengthen digital innovation and empower Nigerian youths for success in a rapidly evolving global economy.