MTN Foundation inaugurates digital skills academy to empower youths
By Daniel Obaje/Jacinta Nwachukwu
The MTN Foundation has inaugurated a Digital Skills Academy, a platform aimed at equipping Nigerian youths with digital competencies to enhance their employability and economic participation.
Speaking at the event on Thursday in Abuja, the Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, Mrs Odunayo Sanya, said the initiative aligned with the Foundation’s commitment to education, health and economic empowerment.
According to Sanya, the academy will provide structured digital learning for young Nigerians from secondary school level through to professional certification.
“We have developed a platform that is not only accessible but impactful, from guiding secondary school students through career-aligned psychometric tests to offering over 23 career learning paths.
“We believe that the person who understands digital skills and technology will eventually displace those who do not, that is why we are investing in building this capacity, especially for our youth,” she said.
She explained that the goal was to reach underserved communities across Nigeria through partnerships with government and other stakeholders, with a long-term target of training at least three million Nigerians in five years.
“We don’t want this to stay in Abuja, Lagos or Port Harcourt. We want to reach Gombe, Akwa Ibom, and the rural corners of Nigeria,” she added.
On his part, Mr Simon Aranonu, a Director in the Foundation, described the initiative as a bold step toward democratising education and empowering individuals across the country.
“We recognise that digital skills are an essential currency in the global job market, they shape the way we work and learn and challenge our ability to adapt and grow,” he said.
Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, commended the Foundation for the initiative, saying that it is timely and critical to national development.
“I commend the MTN Foundation for your vision, not only in launching this programme today but for everything you have done in supporting capacity development in our nation.
“The MTN Skills Academy will not only raise digital literacy but broaden the possibilities for youths in Nigeria,” he said.
He called for more collaboration between public and private sectors to drive innovation and digital inclusion.
In a goodwill message, the Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, represented by Mrs Ebiho Agun, Deputy Director of Enterprise Development, described the academy as a timely and strategic initiative to empower Nigerian youths with essential digital skills.
“This launch is a call to action, a call to invest, and to innovate.
“The MTN Foundation Skills Academy is a bridge to opportunity and a spark for the next generation of Nigerian tech leaders,” he said.
The event drew participation from stakeholders across government, private sector, and civil society, all united in the mission to create a digitally empowered future for Nigerian youths. (NAN)
Edited by Folasade Adeniran