The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, has unveiled plans to train over 1.1 million Enugu State residents in digital skills by 2027. Minister Dr. Bosun Tijani shared this ambitious goal during a courtesy visit to Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah on Thursday, highlighting its alignment with national efforts to boost digital literacy and empower Nigerians.
This initiative falls under the National Information Technology Development Agency’s (NITDA) Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) program, which seeks to equip citizens with essential technology skills. Tijani noted that the training would focus on a broad range of groups, including artisans, market women, civil servants, students, and underserved communities, ensuring widespread access to digital opportunities.
Enugu: A Hub for Digital Progress
Tijani commended Governor Mbah’s efforts to position Enugu as a leader in digital transformation, citing the state’s investments in infrastructure, education, and economic reforms. “Enugu is setting a standard for sub-national governments in creating tech-driven societies,” he said, linking these strides to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the ministry’s strategic vision.
The state’s goal of growing into a $30 billion economy within eight years was praised as a forward-thinking plan rooted in digital inclusion and innovation. Tijani pointed to existing efforts, such as the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme, which has already trained 1,762 Enugu residents out of over 14,000 applicants. The next phase aims to scale this to over 150,000 individuals, with additional investments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance productivity.
Partnerships Driving Connectivity and Innovation
The minister outlined key collaborations between the federal and state governments to advance Enugu’s digital landscape:
- 774 Connectivity Project: Through Galaxy Backbone and NIGCOMSAT, internet access will be extended to all 17 Local Government secretariats in Enugu State.
- Digital Innovation Complex: Galaxy Backbone will work with the state to establish a hub for tech development in Enugu.
- Fibre Optic Expansion: An additional 15 kilometers of fibre optic cable will be laid to connect selected institutions, including a Computer Laboratory for one secondary school and one tertiary institution.
- AI Regional Centre: The ministry plans to establish this facility at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to serve the South-East region.
- Cybersecurity Training: NITDA’s program will train 100 Enugu residents in critical cybersecurity skills to bolster digital infrastructure defense.
To ensure smooth execution, a joint committee of ministry and state government representatives will oversee these projects.
Enugu’s Vision for a Digital Future
Governor Mbah reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to leveraging the digital economy to diversify revenue and achieve the $30 billion economic target. He highlighted the state’s Command and Control Centre, which uses round-the-clock surveillance technology to enhance security, as a testament to this focus. Additionally, Enugu is finalizing a 25-year lease with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for the Digital Bridge Institute and Digital Industrial Park, further solidifying its tech ambitions.
Context and National Goals
Tijani emphasized that these efforts align with a broader national target: achieving 90% digital literacy among Nigerians by 2030. Programs like the 3MTT, which aims to train 3 million people in digital skills over three years, are central to this mission. “Digital literacy isn’t about turning everyone into tech experts—it’s about providing the foundation to engage in the digital economy,” he clarified.
Looking Ahead
The plan to train 1.1 million Enugu residents by 2027 underscores a shared federal and state commitment to building a digitally inclusive society. As these initiatives unfold, Enugu is poised to become a model for how technology can drive economic growth and empower communities across Nigeria.