The Federal Government has launched the National Digital Training Academy (DTA), a new initiative aimed at equipping young Nigerians with advanced digital skills and globally recognised certifications, as 928 youths graduated from a one year professional diploma programme in Jigawa State.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, unveiled the academy during the graduation ceremony of beneficiaries of the World Bank supported Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project, implemented in partnership with Baze University.
He described the graduation as evidence that sustained investment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and digital skills development is preparing young Nigerians for innovation, entrepreneurship and employment in the global digital economy.
According to the minister, the Digital Training Academy will be implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy through the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme.
The academy will offer specialised training and internationally recognised certifications in software development, cybersecurity, cloud technologies, artificial intelligence, machine learning, product management, financial technology, natural language processing, connected technologies, IT automation, parallel computing and quantum computing.
Alausa said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by strengthening human capital development and repositioning education as a driver of economic growth.
He added that the academy complements the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms in TVET by expanding access to market driven skills, modernising training institutions and strengthening collaboration with industry.
The minister also highlighted reforms in education data management through the National Education Data Infrastructure (NEDI) and the Digitalised Nigeria Education Management Information System (DNEMIS), saying the platforms will improve planning, resource allocation and education outcomes through reliable real time data.
Commending Governor Umar Namadi for prioritising education and youth development, Alausa described the graduation as a product of effective collaboration among the Federal Government, the Jigawa State Government, development partners, academic institutions and the private sector.
Governor Namadi said the graduates had acquired practical skills in artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, cybersecurity, software engineering, data analytics and other emerging technologies, positioning them for careers in the global technology industry and self employment.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding digital education through partnerships with organisations including NITDA, GLUWA and KOICA, while announcing that the state government would present laptop computers to 30 outstanding graduates.
He also disclosed that four participants had secured employment with Baze University.
The governor also unveiled the Jigawa State 12 Point Agenda Digital Portal, a platform designed to provide residents with real time information on government programmes across the state’s 27 local government areas and 287 political wards.
In her remarks, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, described the graduation as a reflection of the Federal Government’s commitment to producing digitally skilled and globally competitive youths.
She commended the Jigawa State Government, the World Bank, the IDEAS Project, Baze University and other partners for supporting the programme and urged the graduates to continue building their skills, embrace innovation and contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.
Alausa congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to pursue lifelong learning, saying the Federal Ministry of Education would continue expanding access to quality TVET, deepen digital skills development through the Digital Training Academy and strengthen partnerships aimed at positioning Nigeria as a leading hub for innovation and skilled talent in Africa.
