*The National Information Technology Development Agency and Cisco train 50 selected young unemployed Nigerians during a four-week intensive digital skills bootcamp, under the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative, in Lagos

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

As a vital component of the country’s digital future, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Cisco have trained 50 selected young unemployed Nigerians during a four-week intensive digital skills bootcamp under the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative.

The selected youths have received practical training in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Information Technology (IT) Essentials.

绿帽献妻 reports NITDA said the programme, which was a collaborative effort between NITDA and Cisco, was hosted recently, at the NITDA South-West Zonal Office, on Victoria Island, Lagos.

Speaking on behalf of Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, Mrs. Chioma Okee-Agugwo, Head of the South-West Zonal Office, described the digital training initiative as “a vital component of Nigeria鈥檚 digital future”.

Okee-Agugwo stated: 鈥淭his is not just a closing ceremony. It is the launchpad for new journeys鈥攁nchored in digital knowledge and powered by innovation.鈥�

Inuwa explained by the concept is also rooted in NITDA鈥檚 Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), and reflects key focus areas, including Digital Literacy, Emerging Technologies, and Youth Empowerment.

The Director-General further emphasised the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu鈥檚 Renewed Hope Agenda.

The current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Inuwa noted, seeks to accelerate economic diversification through digitisation, innovation, and skills development.

He equally said the DL4ALL initiative forms part of Nigeria鈥檚 broader commitment to digital inclusion鈥攅nsuring that no one is left behind in the evolving digital economy.

The agency stressed the DL4ALL training programme as well supports the ambitious goal of achieving 70 percent digital literacy by 2027, as championed by Dr. Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.

NITDA averred the national vision aims to equip millions of Nigerians with the skills required to thrive in a tech-driven world.

Underscoring the importance of empowering youth with globally relevant skills, Inuwa said: 鈥淭hey are no longer just consumers of technology. They are creators, innovators, and future employers.”

The Director-General explained that throughout the bootcamp, participants engaged in hands-on learning experiences designed to build both technical proficiency and digital leadership capabilities.

He asserted: 鈥淭his is only the beginning. Through our zonal strategy, we are bringing innovation closer to local communities.

“This is how we democratise access and unlock Nigeria鈥檚 full digital potential.鈥�

Inuwa expressed appreciation to Cisco for delivering high-impact training.

He also urged industry stakeholders to continue investing in partnerships, people, and platforms that drive digital inclusion.

The NITDA Chief Executive asserted that the newly certified participants are now equipped to contribute meaningfully to the Nigeria Digital Economy.

According to him, the participants are armed with the skills to build solutions, secure infrastructure, and launch tech ventures that solve real-world problems.

At the end of the bootcamp, the participants demonstrated their knowledge through impressive presentations that showcased the integration of skills acquired across Data Science, AI, and IT Essentials.

NITDA said several participants spoke passionately, about how the programme had expanded their technical competence, and sparked a drive to create job opportunities鈥攏ot only for themselves but also for others鈥攁s entrepreneurs and digital solution providers in their communities in Nigeria.

Kindly Share This Story