*Daser David, President and CEO of the Digital Bridge Institute, wholly owned by the Nigerian Communications Commission, affirms the Institute鈥檚 Global Certificate Licensing programme is designed to provide access to industry-recognised training to boost employability, and bridge the identified gap in the Information and Communications Technology sector of the economy

Gbenga Kayode聽 | 绿帽献妻

As part of ongoing measures to equip individuals and organisations with requisite skills and certifications needed to thrive in the global digital ecosystem, the Nigerian Government has launched the Digital Bridge Institute’s Global Certificate Licensing programme.

The programme launch, which held Tuesday, March 4, 2025, on the DBI Lagos Campus, in the South-West region, is regarded as a significant step towards addressing Nigeria鈥檚 growing digital skills gap.

The DBI programme with the theme, 鈥淓mpowering Talent, Certifying Excellence, Transforming Industries”, is designed to equip individuals, particularly young Nigerians and organisations with the required skills and certifications to excel in the digital economy.

绿帽献妻 reports the Digital Bridge Institute is wholly owned by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Established 2004 as the training arm of the NCC, DBI which aims to address this through ICT/digital training, has been at the forefront of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) education in the country.

Daser: DBI poised to position Nigeria as a leader in global digital space

Highlighting the significance of the Institute’s initiative, Mr. Daser David, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of DBI, was quoted to have said: 鈥淭his programme marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria鈥檚 drive to equip its citizens with the necessary digital skills to succeed in the modern economy.

鈥淭he programme will not only offer high-quality training but also open new doors for collaboration and growth within the technology sector.”

Daser stated: 鈥淲e are here today to create pathways for growth, empower individuals, and position Nigeria as a leader in the global digital space.

鈥淒BI, which is wholly owned by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has long been at the forefront of ICT education in Nigeria.”

He also disclosed the DBI was licensed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the Institute maintains partnerships with some of the world鈥檚 leading technology organisations, including Cisco, Microsoft, and Huawei.

According to Daser, these affiliations have enabled DBI to deliver top-tier ICT training and certifications that are globally recognised.

He explained: “Our partnerships allow us to provide internationally acknowledged certifications, ensuring that the skills acquired here meet global standards.鈥�

Significance of DBI Global Certificate Licensing programme

Underscoring the strategic importance of the programme, Daser averred that Nigeria is currently facing a significant digital skills gap, particularly among its youths.

Referencing a UNICEF report, the President/CEO of DBI said only seven of Nigerians aged 15-24 have marketable ICT skills, leaving a vast majority underprepared for the demands of the emerging Nigeria Digital Economy.

He equally quoted a 2020 report by Palladium Group which revealed that over 50 percent of Nigerian youths are either underemployed or unemployed due to a disconnect between their education and the skills needed in the job market emphasising the importance of addressing the issue through the DBI Certificate Licensing Programme.

鈥淭he gap between the skills our youth possess and what is required by the job, market must be closed.

“This programme is designed to provide access to industry-recognised training that will boost employability and help fill the growing gap in the ICT sector,鈥�

The programme, officially known as the Global Certification and Training Partnership Programme (GTP/GCP), he stated, was developed through extensive collaboration with industry experts, academia, and government bodies.

Daser, therefore, expressed the hope that the latest initiative would see DBI license its training programmes to qualified institutions and trainers across Nigeria, enabling them to deliver DBI鈥檚 curriculum to learners nationwide.

The DBI CEO asserted: 鈥淭his is an important step in democratising access to ICT education, particularly in underserved regions.

“We are not just bringing training to Lagos but to every corner of Nigeria.”

He added: 鈥淭his initiative supports President (Bola Ahmed) Tinubu鈥檚 vision of preparing Nigeria鈥檚 youth for the high-demand jobs in the technology sector, enhancing their employability and driving economic growth.

鈥淭his is not just about providing training but also about contributing to the broader national goals of job creation and economic diversification.”

It is also noted that the Global Certificate Licensing programme further aligns with the strategic objectives of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, particularly its 2023-2027 plan to strengthen Nigeria鈥檚 knowledge economy and digital infrastructure.

鈥淭hrough this initiative, DBI is contributing to Nigeria鈥檚 ambition to establish a skilled workforce capable of competing on the global stage.

鈥淚 call on educational institutions, trainers, and private sector organisations to join us in shaping the future of Nigeria鈥檚 digital landscape,” Daser averred.

He also encouraged the Nigerian media ecosystem to help to disseminate information about the programme, which he believes has the potential to make a lasting impact on Nigeria鈥檚 economy and workforce.

Objectives of DBI’s Global Certificate Licensing programme – Minister Tijani and Dr. Maida

Speaking on activation of the DBI Global Certificate Licensing Programme, both Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Honourable

Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO of the聽 Nigerian Communications Commission, described the programme as a step in the right direction for Nigeria.

They said development would ensure that Nigerian youths are not left behind in the modern digital age.

Dr. Tijani also noted with the launch of the DBI Certificate Licensing Programme, the West African country is poised to make a bold leap towards bridging its digital skills gap while preparing its workforce for the digital future.

The Minister stated: “The programme promises to equip individuals with globally recognised certifications and the skills needed to excel in the ICT sector.

鈥淭his initiative is not just about training, it is about creating opportunities, fostering innovation, and building a stronger, more competitive Nigeria.”

He further said: 鈥淏y empowering individuals with the necessary digital skills, the DBI Certificate Licensing Programme aims to play a key role in job creation, innovation, and economic development across Nigeria.

鈥淭he launch marks a significant step toward transforming Nigeria into a global leader in ICT, positioning the country to meet the demands of the ever-evolving digital economy.”

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