Driving employment growth with national digital skills devt scheme
Chigozie Amadi
The FGN/ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme, a collaboration between the Federal Government and is helping to address youth unemployment in Nigeria
Launched September 29, 2023, the FGN/ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme has presented itself as a beacon of opportunities and empowerment to the teeming jobless youths.
The initiative, aimed to position the country to be able to global opportunities, kicked off with a virtual training on November 27, 2023. It offers a diverse array of courses tailored to meet the evolving needs of Nigerian youth and MSMEs.
With a vision to train 2 million Nigerian youths and one million Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, the programme quickly gained momentum, attracting over 300,000 participants virtually from all 36 states of the federation.
Meanwhile, at the heart of the FGN/ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme lies its commitment to delivering comprehensive virtual training and online courses. Utilising state-of-the-art technology and inventive educational methods, participants engaged in immersive learning experiences from the comfort of their homes.
Interestingly, the digital transformation facilitated by the programme extends beyond individual empowerment to impact the broader economy. By embracing digital technologies and practices, businesses and industries become more efficient and productive, leading to enhanced competitiveness on the global stage.
Increased efficiency translates into higher productivity levels, cost savings, and improved service delivery across various sectors, ranging from finance and healthcare to agriculture and manufacturing. As the programme continues to expand its reach and influence, it holds the promise of ushering in a new era of prosperity and progress for Nigeria, where digital innovation fuels economic development and transforms lives for generations to come.
According to the organisers of the training, the intakes known as FGN Cohort 1, participants in Cohort 1, have gained invaluable experiences and insights, navigating through immersive virtual training sessions and engaging in diverse online courses.
Their journey has been characterised by a commitment to growth, collaboration, and excellence, with participants hailing from diverse backgrounds and industries.
Participants in Cohort 1 have lauded the programme for its superb training delivery and transformative impact on their personal and professional growth.
From budding entrepreneurs exploring the intricacies of digital marketing to seasoned professionals honing their skills in cyber security and software development, Cohort 1 represents a vibrant tapestry of talent and ambition.
As they prepare to transition to the next stage of the programme, participants eagerly anticipate the opportunities that lie ahead, including mentorship, access to grants, and funding opportunities.
The participants believed that the FGN/ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity in Nigeria’s digital landscape.
With its innovative approach to virtual training and online courses, the programme continues to empower participants to unlock their full potential and thrive in the digital economy.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, called on Nigerian workers to prioritize national growth and development, noting that their contributions are crucial to the nation’s progress.
Stakeholders speak
A facilitator with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Dr, Ikenna Nwosu, opined that training and empowering the unemployed youth was the surest way of reducing unemployment in the country.
“It would create employment that is number one and it will create income for the youths it will also reduce crime. Because if you have a productive mindset you won’t go and involve yourself in criminal activities, you won’t be an armed robber, criminal, area boy or a fraudster even kidnapper,”
According to Nwosu, the programme would create more social cohabitation and it would reduce crime.
“It would create inclusion when you train women; you would empower them to have an income and not rely on men or even prostitution. So, it creates inclusion and empowerment.
“You know that 65 per cent of our population is made up of youth, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
“So, if you train as many as possible you would be doing Nigeria a lot of good and it would ultimately drive revenue generation for the government. Because when they are into productive venture then you can ask them for their income. So that is revenue generation for the government then income for them,” he said.
Also, an economist, Prof. Akpan Ekpo, stated, “If you train them and empower them to start their own business, it would help. But if you just train them and leave them like that, you just increase the unemployment again.”
He urged the government to ensure that those trained are employed or empowered to start businesses. “You should train them and give them jobs or train them and empower them to start their businesses it would help because the unemployment rate is very high about 60 per cent or more. So, it will help.”
However, celebrating the achievements of Cohort 1, and with a renewed focus on redoubling the program’s efforts to drive digital empowerment and innovation across Nigeria, here are some testimonials from participants representing various profiles and courses within the programme.
A working-class professional studying Business Management, Stanley Onah, noted, “This course has opened my eyes to venturing into any business without proper knowledge of the dos and don’ts in it. Applying what I have learned during the course has significantly improved my current business, and I want to express my appreciation to the organisers of this beautiful programme.”
Ibrahim Salisu, who is delving into cybersecurity and software development, reflected on his journey, “I have learned various experiences in this journey, especially in cybersecurity. This programme has helped me gain access to computer networking and has given me a lot of experience.”
A job seeker, Ismalia Ahmad, highlighted her personal and professional growth, stressing that she had developed the way she learned and interacted with others.
“During my time as a student, I have developed the way I learn and interact with others. This maturity has made a tremendous impact on my life, and I continue to grow with each interaction. I am now more focused and determined in my pursuit of professional studies,” Ismalia said.
Another participant, Mohammed Ali, seeking employment, expressed his gratitude for the programme.
“With this programme, I have acquired important skills and experiences that have made me more self-reliant. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this important journey,” he noted.
Most entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners emphasise the significance of understanding the needs of customers.
For Titilola Okusolubo, who is focusing on sales, she emphasised the significance of understanding customer needs.
“From the sales and marketing aspects, I have learned how to grow as a learner, a leader, and a problem-solver. Understanding customer needs and tailoring products accordingly has been a key takeaway for me,” Okusolubo said.
Adamu Mohammed, involved in pitch deck creation and fine-tuning, stated, “At its core, the programme aims to build a marketplace for entrepreneurs like me, providing digital skills that open doors to sustainable career development and expose small-scale business owners to funding and grants.”
Najib Ashiru Abdullahi, undergoing cyber security mentorship, reflects on the guidance received.
“Throughout the programme, I had the opportunity to be mentored by an experienced cybersecurity professional who provided valuable insights into industry trends, best practices, and career development advice. Their guidance helped me navigate complex challenges and develop resilience essential for thriving in this field,”
For Ngabili Gamache, advancing in UI/UX design, he believes that his experiences so far have been perspective-changing.
“Concepts of funding, investments, and entrepreneurship under the mentorship of one of the best in the industry have been revolutionizing for me. I look forward to continuing my learning journey and fulfilling the purpose of this superb experience,” Gamache said.
Faith Afolabi, focusing on fashion, said, “I acquired full knowledge about the fashion industry, from business management to the business of fashion. The course impacted my life positively, and I am blessed to have taken it.”
Michael Agwu, who is into animation, expressed his excitement, “I have learned so much about animation, which I have desired to know due to the area of my profession. Thanks to the government for this opportunity.”
Pamela Chinenye, whose focus is digital marketing, reflected on her experience: “I was able to understand the managerial requirements needed to run and establish an organisation. Digital marketing helped me understand the value of using technology in advertising my business.”
According to Babakura Kaltumbe, exploring design has made him accumulate vast experiences working on a variety of projects.
“In terms of graphic design, I have accumulated vast experience working on a variety of projects. Throughout my career, I have honed my skills, allowing me to deliver visually appealing and effective solutions for clients. Design thinking has been instrumental in my creative process.”
The testimonials from participants of the FGN/ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme have shown that the programme is not just about acquiring skills, it is also about unlocking potential, fostering innovation, and shaping a brighter future for Nigeria.
The programme has provided valuable learning experiences and opportunities for growth for people aiming to make impacts in different sectors of the economy. Through comprehensive training, mentorship, and funding initiatives, the programme continues to empower participants to thrive in Nigeria’s evolving digital landscape, shaping a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
