- Nigeria Partners Coursera to Train Youths in AI, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering
- Fully Funds 36,000 Tech Licences to Boost Youth Digital Skills
- Targets Global Tech Competitiveness
The Federal Government says it is intensifying efforts to prepare Nigerian youths for the global digital economy through a new Digital Training Academy (DTA) programme backed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this known at the signing ceremony held on the sidelines of the Education World Forum (EWF) in London, describing the initiative as a major investment in youth empowerment, innovation and human capital development.
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Alausa said the programme reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises equipping young Nigerians with relevant skills for the modern workforce.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda recognises that digital competency is no longer optional. It is foundational,” he said. “The Digital Training Academy is a direct investment in helping young Nigerians compete and lead in the global digital economy.”
Under the programme, the Federal Government has partnered with Coursera, a leading global online learning platform, to provide training in high-demand fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, cloud computing and software engineering.
Participants will also receive globally recognised certifications that can enhance their employability both locally and internationally.
The programme will be implemented in collaboration with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), which will provide nationwide access, academic support and mentorship.
According to the Minister, NOUN will ensure inclusivity across all geopolitical zones through its nationwide reach, while YABATECH will contribute technical expertise and industry-aligned training support.
“Access to training alone is not enough. What truly changes lives is completion, support and accountability,” he said.
Alausa described the initiative as a “covenant between government and Nigerian youth,” adding that the administration remains committed to investing in skills that will make young people globally competitive.
He also commended Coursera, NOUN and YABATECH for partnering with the Federal Government to deliver the programme.
In a major highlight of the initiative, the Federal Government has fully funded 36,000 licences across Coursera and Pluralsight in the first year, ensuring that all beneficiaries access the training free of charge.
Officials say the move represents one of the largest government-funded digital skills interventions in Nigeria’s history, aimed at removing financial barriers to quality tech education.
The Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to quality education and strengthening digital innovation to prepare Nigerian youths for a rapidly changing global economy.
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