To increase digital literacy throughout Nigeria and reach 30 million young people—including corps members—by 2027, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have partnered.
This past weekend, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the Director General of NITDA, made public the program’s intention to train participants in real-world digital skills such software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, and digital marketing.
According to him, it will also close the digital divide in Nigeria, provide young people there the skills they need for the digital economy, improve youth employment, and spur economic growth and creativity.
“All things considered, this initiative appears to be a major step towards enhancing digital literacy in Nigeria, which could result in a more skilled labour force and economic expansion.”
The collaboration was praised by Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, Minister of State for Youth, who also emphasised the importance of having a common aim to work towards.
“I believe we are one family and we are working towards the same goal,” he stated. “I appreciate this collaboration.”
“I also think that our commitment is the best gift we can give. Whatever one’s background, what matters is that, in the end, Nigerian kids are in a better position than they were before. That counts for everything.
The minister thanked the NYSC for its leadership, devotion, and availability to the cause and commended the hard work of all those engaged.
In his reply, Brig Gen YD Ahmed, the NYSC Director General, expressed excitement for the project and the NYSC’s preparedness to participate wholeheartedly.