More than three million Nigerians are set to benefit from an innovative digital skills programme, which will be launched by the Nigerian government in collaboration with WEMA Bank Plc. The programme, known as the ‘Skillnovation Programme’, aims to equip individuals with the essential skills needed to thrive in the global economy. This initiative seeks to support the information technology revolution, enabling greater economic and social interactions, as well as bolstering overall productivity growth in Nigeria.
Transforming Lives through Digital Empowerment
During the launch of the programme at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Vice President Kashim Shettima hailed Skillnovation as a transformative initiative that ushers in a new era of digital empowerment for Nigerians. He emphasized the need to embrace disruptive technologies, driven by the fourth Industrial Revolution. Shettima stated, “This initiative is a response to the evolution of the modern business environment, an acknowledgment that digital skills have become the cornerstone of economic ease and expansion.”
The Vice President also took the opportunity to reinforce President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to supporting small businesses across Nigeria. Additionally, he announced that the event marked the beginning of a series of similar gatherings, further demonstrating the government’s dedication to empowering Nigerians.
Establishing Cutting-Edge ICT Centers Nationwide
Under the Skillnovation Programme, 15 state-of-the-art ICT centers will be strategically established throughout Nigeria. These centers will provide individuals and businesses with access to cutting-edge digital training, resources, and support.
Phased Implementation to Reach Across States
The first phase of the programme will focus on the states of Katsina, Anambra, Borno, Lagos, Oyo, and Kano. The second phase will include Delta, Kaduna, Ogun, Bauchi, Kwara, and Ekiti States. By implementing the programme in a phased approach, the government aims to ensure maximum impact and reach across the country.
Unlocking Nigeria’s Business Innovation Potential
Highlighting the benefits of the programme, Vice President Shettima emphasized Nigeria’s potential to lead business innovation beyond Africa, given its expanding MSME sector of nearly 40 million. He stated, “The Skillnovation Programme aims to unlock this immense potential, providing the necessary tools and skills for our MSMEs to thrive and compete on the global stage. Today, we are translating that commitment into action and intend to be your allies in your race to take over the world through your enhanced skills.”
The Vice President also assured that the Skillnovation Programme would be inclusive, with no one being left behind irrespective of age, gender, or disability. He stated, “There will be no disadvantaged demographic in accessing this opportunity. Our youth, women, and persons with disabilities have found friends and allies and will be favored in our proposed single-digit loan schemes for our valued MSMEs, for which talks are already ongoing with the Bank of Industry and other critical stakeholders and partners.”
Building a Digitally Empowered and Prosperous Nigeria
The Skillnovation Programme represents a significant step towards achieving the government’s vision of a digitally empowered and economically prosperous Nigeria. By equipping Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with vital digital skills and support, the programme aims to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and enhance the lives of millions of Nigerians.
Partnership for Progress
In his welcome address, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Mr. Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, emphasized the significance of partnership. He noted that the government alone cannot address the challenges faced by Nigerians, highlighting the critical role of collaborations such as the one with WEMA Bank Plc.
The Managing Director of Wema Bank, Mr. Moruf Oseni, commended the passion of President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for empowering young Nigerians. He also announced the establishment of skills training centers across 17 states, with Lagos and Borno States being the first on the list. Oseni revealed that the programme will directly impact two million youths and one million small businesses in the benefiting states.
Driving Nigeria’s Technological Power
In his goodwill message, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Mr. Bosun Tijjani, affirmed that the current administration would leverage the enthusiasm of Nigerian youths in the technology space to position Nigeria as a global power in the sector.
