The Federal Government has announced a significant investment of over N10.5 billion in the newly launched Digital Training Academy (DTA), which aims to equip 32,000 Nigerians with essential digital and professional skills. This initiative, revealed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI).

At the launch event held in Abuja, Dr. Alausa emphasized that the DTA is designed to address the widening digital skills gap in Nigeria, thereby improving the employability of young Nigerians and preparing them for opportunities in the global digital economy. The programme will provide participants with six months of free training through renowned global learning platforms, including Coursera and Pluralsight. Successful candidates will receive internationally recognized certifications that can enhance their job prospects, entrepreneurial ventures, and remote work opportunities.

The training will focus on high-demand areas such as software development, artificial intelligence, machine learning, IT automation, and cybersecurity, among others. Dr. Alausa stated, "Today, we are not merely unveiling an online learning portal. We are opening a new pathway to opportunity for thousands of Nigerians."

The government aims to achieve 32,000 enrolments and corresponding certificates, with success measured by the number of beneficiaries who secure meaningful employment or improve their businesses. To facilitate access to the programme, the Ministry of Education has partnered with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), establishing access centres equipped with internet connectivity and learning devices across all states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The registration process for the DTA will begin with the use of the National Identification Number, followed by profiling, a pre-assessment, and placement in suitable learning pathways. This initiative is also aligned with the Federal Government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, which aims to create an export-oriented digital workforce capable of serving international clients without leaving Nigeria.

Dr. Alausa urged participants to approach the training with dedication, stating that the government believes in their potential. He also called on various stakeholders, including employers and educational institutions, to create internship and mentorship opportunities for the beneficiaries.

In a supportive message, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), highlighted the importance of digital identity in accessing educational and employment opportunities, framing the DTA as a crucial investment in national capacity.

Senator Mohammed Dandutse, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education, encouraged Nigerian youth to leverage this initiative to enhance their technical skills. Meanwhile, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, reiterated her ministry's commitment to ensuring that Nigerians benefit from both local and international opportunities, linking the DTA to the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP), which aims to connect Nigerian talent with global employers.

The DTA represents a significant step towards building a skilled workforce that can contribute to Nigeria’s ambition of achieving a trillion-dollar economy, with a target of creating one million export-linked, digitally enabled jobs by 2027.