The Federal Government’s new digital skills initiative has drawn massive interest from Nigerians, with 72,850 applications received for a programme offering training and professional certifications aimed at improving participants’ chances of securing jobs in the international digital economy.
The Digital Training Academy (DTA), launched by the Federal Ministry of Education, is targeting 32,000 Nigerians under a six-month training programme designed to develop skills in areas including software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and quantum computing.
However, the overwhelming response has forced the government to begin with a smaller inaugural cohort, as only 16,000 applicants were selected for the first phase after 19,699 candidates met the entry requirements.
The figures were disclosed by the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, while speaking at the launch of the academy in Abuja.
According to the minister, applications came from all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, underscoring the growing demand among Nigerians for digital skills that can provide access to employment beyond the domestic labour market.
The academy is being implemented through the Nigeria Education Digital Infrastructure programme under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative.
Participants are expected to receive practical digital training alongside professional certifications from major technology companies, including Google, IBM and Huawei.
The Federal Government said the initiative is intended not only to improve employability but also to create pathways into entrepreneurship, particularly as businesses and employers increasingly demand specialised digital competencies.
The programme forms part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the government’s broader effort to address the country’s digital skills deficit and prepare young Nigerians for opportunities in the global technology market.
The development was reported by Legit.ng, which said the programme is expected to equip a total of 32,000 Nigerians with digital skills, industry-recognised certifications and employment or entrepreneurship opportunities.
