Fifty selected young, unemployed Nigerians have successfully completed a four-week intensive digital skills bootcamp, gaining crucial training in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and IT Essentials. The program, a collaborative effort between the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Cisco, was hosted at NITDA’s South West Zonal Office in Lagos.
Speaking at the closing ceremony on behalf of NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, the Head of the South West Zonal Office, Mrs. Chioma Okee-Agugwo, described the initiative as a vital component of Nigeria’s digital future.
“This is not just a closing ceremony. It is the launchpad for new journeys—anchored in digital knowledge and powered by innovation,” she remarked.
The Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative is rooted in NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) and directly supports the administration’s goal to accelerate economic diversification through digitization and skills development.
The initiative is a crucial part of Nigeria’s commitment to digital inclusion, supporting the ambitious national goal of achieving 70% digital literacy by 2027, a target championed by the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.
Inuwa emphasized the importance of empowering youth with globally relevant skills. “They are no longer just consumers of technology. They are creators, innovators, and future employers,” he stated.
Throughout the bootcamp, participants engaged in hands-on learning designed to build both technical proficiency and digital leadership capabilities. The DG noted that through NITDA’s zonal strategy, the agency is actively bringing innovation closer to local communities to democratize access and unlock Nigeria’s full digital potential.
The newly certified participants are now equipped with the skills to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s digital economy—ready to build solutions, secure infrastructure, and launch tech ventures that solve real-world problems.
The conclusion of the bootcamp was marked by impressive presentations from participants, who passionately showcased how the program expanded their technical competence and fueled a drive to become entrepreneurs and digital solution providers in their communities. NITDA expressed appreciation to Cisco for delivering the high-impact training and urged continued investment in people and platforms that drive digital inclusion.