In a bold move to address the growing skills gap in Nigeria’s industrial and technology sectors, President Bola Tinubu has announced a comprehensive six-month free digital skills training program aimed at equipping two million Nigerians with the skills necessary to thrive in today’s digital economy. This initiative, expected to launch in June 2025, is a strategic step toward bridging the nation’s skills gap and ensuring that Nigeria’s workforce is globally competitive.
Tackling Nigeria’s Digital Skills Shortage
The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the third edition of the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja. Alausa referenced a UNESCO report that highlights significant skills shortages in Nigeria’s digital sectors, which is severely affecting the country’s economic growth. According to the report, the nation faces a critical shortage of talent in several key digital fields. These include:
- 650,000 vacancies in software development
- 280,000 vacancies in cybersecurity
- 160,000 vacancies in IT automation
- 150,000 vacancies in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning
- 120,000 vacancies in cloud computing
- 60,000 vacancies in natural language processing
Alausa emphasized that these figures represent nearly two million job vacancies across various industries, underscoring the urgency for targeted digital skills training. The government, in response to this shortage, is establishing a Digital Training Academy (DTA) to equip young Nigerians with the skills necessary to fill these roles and drive innovation.
A Comprehensive Digital Training Initiative
The digital training program will be free of charge and will cover all training costs, including internet access. Participants will also receive globally recognized certifications from leading institutions such as Cisco, Google, and End of Career, which will enhance their employability and ensure that their skills meet international standards.
This program will not only focus on theoretical learning but also emphasize hands-on training, ensuring that participants gain practical experience. By offering this training at no cost to the participants, the government is making significant strides toward democratizing access to high-quality education and bridging the skills gap in critical sectors.
The program will launch in June 2025 and is expected to run concurrently with broader efforts to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education across Nigeria. These efforts align with the national workforce demands and are aimed at preparing the youth for roles in industries that are pivotal to the nation’s economic transformation.
Revamping Nigeria’s Education System for Future Growth
Beyond digital skills, the Tinubu administration is addressing other key educational challenges in the country. One of the most significant challenges is the high number of out-of-school children, particularly those within the Almajiri system. The government plans to reintegrate 10 million out-of-school children by providing specialized training for their teachers, compensating them, and reallocating funds from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to support the Almajiri Commission’s efforts.
In addition, the government is focusing on improving school security. The Safe School Initiative has been reinforced, with rapid response security teams now in place to protect schools under a centralized command system.
Between now and 2027, the Nigerian government plans to:
- Construct 195,000 new classrooms
- Build 28,000 new toilets
- Install 22,900 new boreholes
- Distribute 103 million textbooks across the country
These efforts aim to create an improved learning environment for millions of Nigerian students, ensuring they have access to quality education in safe and well-equipped facilities.
Funding for Entrepreneurial Training and Practical Education
In another critical development, the government has approved N120 billion to fund students’ entrepreneurial training. A new dual education model will be introduced, allowing students to spend three days a week in school, one day in training, and one day in workshops. This model will be predominantly practical, with 80% of the training being hands-on, and only 20% focusing on theoretical learning. This approach ensures that students are well-prepared to enter the workforce with the skills and experience needed to succeed.
National Library Project and Higher Education Reforms
On the long-delayed National Library project, the Minister of Education announced that N40 billion has been allocated to resume construction, with a focus on making the library a resource that supports academic research and the intellectual needs of the nation.
Additionally, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) will expand its offerings, providing interest-free loans to students to ease the financial burden of education. However, Alausa cautioned about the over-proliferation of universities in Nigeria. He pointed out that nearly 200 pending bills in the National Assembly are pushing for the establishment of new universities. He urged lawmakers to focus on strengthening existing institutions rather than pushing for the creation of new ones, as the capacity of current universities must be renewed and expanded to meet the growing demands of students.
For specialized universities, Alausa recommended a reduction in non-technical courses, allowing them to remain focused on their core subjects and better serve the national educational needs.
Sustaining TETFund and Investing in Infrastructure
There have been rumors about the potential scrapping of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), but Alausa clarified that TETFund will continue indefinitely. More resources will be channeled into building critical infrastructure, including laboratory spaces, engineering workshops, and the recruitment of world-class faculty to elevate the standard of education at Nigerian universities.
A Forward-Looking Vision for Nigeria’s Workforce
With the launch of the free digital skills training program and other educational reforms, the Tinubu administration is ensuring that Nigeria’s youth are equipped with the skills and education needed to drive the nation’s economic growth. This initiative is not just about training the workforce for today, but about preparing young Nigerians for the future, where digital skills are essential to thrive in industries ranging from technology to healthcare.
The government’s commitment to addressing both the digital skills gap and broader educational challenges demonstrates a holistic approach to workforce development. By investing in education, infrastructure, and practical skills training, Nigeria is setting the stage for a more competitive and self-reliant workforce that can lead the country to sustainable economic growth.