Under the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) program, fifty young Nigerians without jobs were chosen and trained hands-on in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and IT Essentials over a four-week intense digital skills bootcamp campaign.
The National Information Technology Development Agency’s (NITDA) South West Zonal Office in Victoria Island, Lagos, hosted the program, which was a joint venture between NITDA and Cisco.
Speaking on behalf of the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, the Head of the South West Zonal Office, Mrs. Chioma Okee-Agugwo, described the initiative as a vital component of Nigeria’s digital future. “This is not just a closing ceremony. It is the launchpad for new journeys—anchored in digital knowledge and powered by innovation,” she remarked.
The project is based on NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which the Director General claims highlights important focus areas like youth empowerment, emerging technologies, and digital literacy. It also supports the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which aims to speed up economic diversification through innovation, technology, and skill development.
According to Inuwa, the DL4ALL campaign is a component of Nigeria’s larger effort to promote digital inclusion and guarantee that no one is left behind in the rapidly changing digital economy. The Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has pushed for the ambitious target of 70% digital literacy by 2027, and it supports this aim. With the help of this national vision, millions of Nigerians should be able to prosper in a technologically advanced society.
He further emphasised the importance of empowering youth with globally relevant skills. “They are no longer just consumers of technology. They are creators, innovators, and future employers,” he said.
According to the DG of NITDA, participants in the bootcamp participated in practical learning activities intended to enhance their technical expertise and digital leadership skills.
“This is only the beginning,” he stated. “Through our zonal strategy, we are bringing innovation closer to local communities. This is how we democratise access and unlock Nigeria’s full digital potential.”
Cisco’s high-impact training was appreciated, and Inuwa urged stakeholders to keep funding collaborations, personnel, and platforms that promote digital inclusiveness.
With the ability to create solutions, safeguard infrastructure, and start tech businesses that address pressing issues, he claimed that the recently certified participants are now prepared to make a significant contribution to Nigeria’s digital economy.
At the conclusion of the bootcamp, participants displayed their knowledge through the integration of skills learnt in Data Science, AI, and IT Essentials through stunning presentations. Many spoke fervently about how the training had increased their technical proficiency and inspired them to find work as entrepreneurs and producers of digital solutions in their communities, not just for themselves but also for others.
