…Minister highlights digital skills, industry partnerships and innovation as key drivers of youth employment and national prosperity

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s education system to meet the demands of the digital economy, with a focus on equipping young Nigerians with industry-ready skills, technological competencies and entrepreneurial capabilities.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, stated this while delivering the keynote address at the Cisco Networking Academy Instructor Safari Conference for English West and Central Africa, themed “Navigating the Future of Skills Development for the Nigerian Economy.”

Alausa said the government was transforming the nation’s education system from one focused primarily on academic learning to a more practical and technology-driven model capable of preparing students for employment, innovation and enterprise creation.

He explained that technology was becoming increasingly important across all sectors of the economy, making digital literacy and practical skills essential for young Nigerians seeking to compete in the changing world of work.

According to the minister, ongoing curriculum reforms are integrating digital technology from the primary school level to establish a solid foundation for advanced technological competencies among learners.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising human capital development under the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that a technology-enabled education system would improve national productivity, expand economic opportunities and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global economy.

Alausa said the Federal Ministry of Education’s reform agenda was anchored on six priority areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical Sciences (STEMM); Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET); reduction of out-of-school children; girl-child education; data and digitalisation; and quality assurance.

He explained that digital competencies cut across these priority areas, supporting scientific learning, improving practical instruction, expanding access to education and strengthening evidence-based planning.

The minister identified software development, computer networking, cybersecurity, data analytics, cloud computing and artificial intelligence as critical areas of digital competence that Nigerian youths must embrace to remain relevant in the evolving global economy.

However, he stressed that technical knowledge alone would not be sufficient, emphasising the need for critical thinking, effective communication, teamwork and practical problem-solving skills.

He maintained that the success of digital training institutions should not be measured solely by examination results but also by their ability to produce graduates capable of developing practical solutions, creating useful products, improving services and establishing sustainable businesses.

To bridge the gap between education and employment, Alausa called for stronger collaboration among educational institutions, industry stakeholders and employers.

He urged training providers to integrate practical projects, mentorship, internships and recognised professional certifications into their programmes to ensure that learners acquired skills relevant to workplace demands.

The minister added that portfolios showcasing students’ practical achievements would improve their employment prospects, support entrepreneurship and create opportunities for further learning.

He also called for inclusive digital development, stressing the need to expand access to affordable internet connectivity, digital devices and accessible learning resources, particularly for girls and young women, persons with disabilities, rural learners and individuals facing financial constraints.

Alausa noted that strategic partnerships with industry players and development organisations would be essential to expanding digital access, strengthening instructors’ capacity and ensuring that underserved communities benefited from technological advancements.

In a related address, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, highlighted the transformative impact of digital skills on career development and employment opportunities.

Drawing on his experience as a Cisco Networking Academy alumnus, Abdullahi urged instructors to prioritise complex problem-solving, critical thinking and lifelong learning rather than focusing exclusively on examination success.

He also highlighted collaboration between NITDA and the Federal Ministry of Education to integrate digital literacy into school curricula and tertiary education.

Alausa assured Nigerians that the ministry would sustain the implementation of education reforms under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, deepen partnerships with industry and development partners, and expand access to quality digital skills training.

He said the government’s efforts were aimed at preparing Nigerian youths for emerging employment opportunities, entrepreneurship and the changing demands of the future economy.

The minister subsequently declared the Cisco Networking Academy Instructor Safari Conference for English West and Central Africa open, expressing confidence that sustained investment in digital education and skills development would produce competent professionals, innovative entrepreneurs and a workforce capable of driving national prosperity.