Institute, SBTS earmark $200m to hone Nigerian youths’ digital skills
By Jessica Dogo
The Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), in partnership with Small Business Training Solutions (SBTS), says it will train Nigerian youth on Business Processing Operations (BPOs) to make Nigeria a global leader in out sourcing jobs.
This was disclosed at the inauguration of Stakeholders Engagement on Partnership for Capacity Building and Job Opportunities on Monday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the partnership will create 100,000 direct jobs through digital trainings with different durations depending on the course of training.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of SBTS, Evelyn Lewis, said the partnership has a budget of $200m.
“Our goal is clear; to create 100,000 new digital jobs in Africa over the next five years.
“This partnership is not just about skills development, it is about economic empowerment, digital inclusion, and Africa’s competitiveness in the global economy.
“With what we have at hand and what we hope to raise, our target is to raise $200 million for the training of Nigerian youth,” she said.
According to Lewis in today’s digital economy the ability to adapt and equip people with relevant skills determines not only individual success but national progress.
“We recognise that Africa holds immense talent, yet access to structured and `scalable` training programmes remains a challenge. This is the gap we are here to fill.
“Together, we are leveraging our combined expertise to create an innovative, scalable and sustainable model that provides globally competitive training programmes that are not only theoretical but hands-on and industry-driven.
“We bridge the skills gap by aligning learning outcomes with employer needs, ensuring graduates are job-ready, create real job opportunities by linking trained professionals with employment pipelines, including internships, outsourcing engagements, and entrepreneurship support.
“We are expanding access to digital learning through modern platforms, distance learning, and micro-credentials, ensuring that education is not confined to physical classrooms but extends to every willing learner,” she said.
The President/CEO, DBI, Mr David Daser, said the aim of the partnership aligned with DBI’s mandate to bridge the digital divide in the country.
“Over the years, we have trained thousands of professionals, students and entrepreneurs; and we remain committed to advancing digital literacy as a catalyst for economic growth.
“Together, we will provide high-quality, practical training that empowers young Nigerians to build sustainable careers, launch businesses and become job creators rather than job seekers.
“The programme will focus on entrepreneurship, digital marketing, software development, cybersecurity, and business management, ensuring our youth are not only skilled but also competitive in the global market.
“Beyond skills training, this partnership will offer mentorship, access to funding opportunities, and business incubation support, ensuring a seamless transition from training to employment or entrepreneurship,’’ he said.
Aisha Lewis, a partner at SBTS, who spoke virtually, said the world’s next leading workforce was already here in Nigeria.
“The question is: Are we ready to drive Africa’s digital economy?
“By 2030, 170 million digital tech jobs will be added and we want to make sure that African youths can contribute from home,” she said.
In his welcome address, Head of Public Affairs Unit, DBI, Akin Ogunlade, said the partnership was testament to a shared vision of fostering sustainable development through education, training and skills acquisition.
Ogunlade urged all stakeholders, government agencies, private sector leaders, and the media to support, promote and advocate digital skills training as a key driver of national development. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Uche Anunne
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