By Hope-Feyisayo Temitope
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development as well as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has launched a comprehensive digital literacy programme aimed at empowering 30 million Nigerian youths, which was formalized at the NYSC secretariat in Abuja.
This was designed to empower the next generation to thrive in an increasingly digital world. The programme is expected to empower 30 million youths across the country and provide platforms for them to become digital entrepreneurs.
The NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi said the programme would focus on providing practical training in key areas, such as software development, data analytics, cybersecurity, and digital marketing.
Abdullahi said 30 million Nigerian youths, including NYSC members, would benefit from the initiative as they would be fully equipped with skills necessary for the digital economy by 2027.
Speaking at the launch of the project at the weekend, Abdullahi said: “We have set up the team working with your (NYSC) team to explore how you can infuse technology into the NYSC process, experiment with emerging technologies, like block chain, to secure NYSC certificates, and build digital skills capacity among Corps members. Today, we are here on the bigger mission.”
Abdullahi cited global research that predicted 85 million talent deficits by 2030, saying this could result in a loss of $8.5 trillion in annual value, if unaddressed.
The NITDA boss noted that the programme would not only enhance employability but also drive innovation and economic growth in Nigeria.
“We developed the National Digital Literacy Framework with an ambitious target of achieving 95 per cent digital literacy by 2030 with a mid-term target of 70 per cent by 2027.
“The framework promotes universal access to digital literacy, skills development at various proficiency levels, and workforce readiness for future digital demands.
“Our target is how we can leverage your platform to deepen that digital literacy.
“The initiative will involve onboarding Corps members on digital platforms, providing continuous learning opportunities, and selecting ambassadors to teach digital skills in their communities.
“We need to build a tailor-made solution that will address our challenges and harness indigenous talents to promote digital solutions, and this requires the collective efforts of the government, private sectors, and all stakeholders,” he added.