By Jessica Dogo

The Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) says that it will train five million Nigerian workers on Artificial Intelligence (AI) over the next three years.

The President of DBI, Mr David Daser, said this at the 21st anniversary celebration of the institute in Abuja with the theme: “Preparing Today’s Workforce for Tomorrow’s Market.”

Daser urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of federal, state and local governments to support and partner with DBI on the mission.

He said that DBI aimed to position Nigeria as a hub for AI innovation and training by working together with partners to ensure that the country did not lag behind in the AI revolution.

He expressed optimism that DBI, with its global network of partners and commitment to excellence, would achieve its goal of training millions of Nigerians in AI.

He said the initiative had the potential to drive economic growth, improve productivity, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global economy.

“To this end, we call on all Nigerians, leaders of MDAs, governors, and local government authorities to support and partner with DBI in this critical mission.

“Nigeria must not lag behind in the Al revolution. Nigeria is poised to become a hub for Al Innovation and training and DBI is fully committed to making this a reality,” he said.

In his keynote address, the Managing Director, Galaxy Backbone (GBB), Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, said that ICT firms were not only expected to deliver but to shape the workforce in harnessing and securing innovations for tomorrow’s social realities.

Adeyanju, represented by GBB’s Group Lead, Research Innovation and Skills, Mr Akintayo Bamise said the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2020, projected that by 2025, 50 per cent of all employees would need re-skilling.

“They will need re-skilling due to the adoption of new technologies and the evolving nature of work.

“In the ICT sector, this figure will even be higher due to the rapid automation and emerging cybersecurity threats.

“Thus, if we fail to act, we risk a scenario where innovation outpaces implementation, and talent becomes a bottleneck rather than a bridge,’’ he said.

He recalled that the 4th industrial revolution had fundamentally altered the definition of being qualified for the modern workplace.

“Today, it has demonstrated competencies that matter most.

“The reality is that we are at a pivotal moment in history, and the global economy is evolving at an unprecedented pace driven by technological innovation, and digital transformation.

“Technical skills must be complemented by critical thinking and adaptability.

“The reality is that we live in a world where the pace of technological revolution is not just accelerating, it is exponential.

“Global certifications are emerging as the new standard of competence. Also, lifelong learning is replacing one-time education, so we all need to sign up with lifelong learners,” Adeyanju said.

He said that digital literacy was not just an advantage but also the baseline requirement for participation in the digital economy.

In a goodwill message, Mr Evelyn Lewis, the Chief Executive Officer of SBTS Group LLC, a U.S-based software firm, commended DBI’s growth and transformation, saying the institute had shown resilience and tenacity.

Lewis said that the relationship between DBI and its partners aimed to provide digital training and skills development to Nigerians.

“We have now put together over an 800-course platform with DBI and fully equipped to provide modern and relevant training to its students,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne