The Nigerian Ministry of Communications aims to fully harness the potential of youth in the digital economy by improving access to technical training and emphasizing digital skills development. This initiative is supported by partnerships with tech companies and focuses on enhancing employment opportunities while addressing soft skills essential for job readiness.
The Nigerian Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy aims to leverage the potential of its youth to succeed in the digital economy, as articulated by Technical Adviser Francis Sani. At the launch event of Darey.io and Xterns.ai in Lagos, he emphasized the importance of digital skills for economic growth and the global outsourcing market.
The ministry is committed to making technical training accessible to every Nigerian, regardless of financial or geographical limitations. Mr. Sani highlighted a partnership with Darey.io aimed at delivering AI-driven, project-based learning experiences, structured around five key pillars: knowledge, policy, infrastructure, innovation and entrepreneurship, and trade.
Recognizing Nigeria’s significant youth population as an advantage, the ministry seeks to create an attractive environment for tech companies, thereby generating employment for young individuals. Mr. Sani remarked on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in economic activities and the necessity for Nigeria to adapt effectively.
Dare Oluwafunmilayo, the founder and CEO of Darey.io, outlined initiatives to enhance Nigeria’s digital economy through partnerships and infrastructure. He stated the tech hub’s objective is to create opportunities for young people to acquire skills and network with industry professionals, which will help build a talent pipeline for the digital sector.
Additionally, Mr. Olufunmilayo discussed the 3MTT initiative, which aims to train three million technical talents using digital tools to monitor career progression. Over the past four and a half years, the initiative has successfully trained more than 5,000 individuals, with an enrollment of 100,000 participants currently underway, all at no cost due to public-private collaboration.
He stressed the significance of soft skills in complementing technical expertise, asserting that effective communication and teamwork are essential for employment. Furthermore, the hub encourages innovation through collaborative learning environments with training led by industry professionals.
To enhance youth capabilities, Mr. Olufunmilayo announced the founding of the Dare Olufunmilayo Human Capital Foundation. The foundation will work with organizations to provide laptops and stipends to help talented individuals, thus fostering economic development. He also mentioned that certifications from Microsoft, AWS, Google, and in-house training credentials will be awarded to participants.
In summary, the Nigerian Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy is dedicated to harnessing the youth’s potential in the digital economy through accessible training and partnerships. By focusing on practical digital skills, soft skills, and creating a supportive environment for tech companies, Nigeria aims to extend its position in the global digital market. The initiatives set forth by Mr. Sani and Mr. Olufunmilayo exemplify a commitment to national development and economic empowerment through technological innovation.
Original Source: gazettengr.com
