The Federal Government has announced the full funding of digital training licences for 36,000 Nigerian youths under the Digital Training Academy (DTA) programme, a major initiative aimed at preparing young Nigerians for opportunities in the global digital economy.

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed this during the signing ceremony held on the sidelines of the Education World Forum in London, describing the initiative as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda focused on youth empowerment, innovation and human capital development.

According to the Minister, the Digital Training Academy is designed to equip Nigerian youths with globally relevant digital skills needed to compete in today’s technology-driven world.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda recognises that digital competency is no longer optional. It is foundational,” Alausa said. “The Digital Training Academy is a direct investment in helping young Nigerians compete and lead in the global digital economy.”

The programme is being implemented through a partnership with Coursera and Pluralsight, giving beneficiaries access to world-class training in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, cloud computing, software engineering and other high-demand digital fields.

Participants are also expected to earn internationally recognised certifications that will improve their employability and position them for global career opportunities.

To ensure nationwide accessibility and proper learning support, the Federal Government is partnering with National Open University of Nigeria and Yaba College of Technology for the implementation of the programme.

Alausa explained that NOUN’s nationwide presence would guarantee equal access for youths across the country, while YABATECH would provide technical support, mentorship and industry-focused facilitators to guide participants throughout the programme.

He noted that beyond access to training, the government was committed to ensuring completion, accountability and measurable impact.

“Access to training alone is not enough. What truly changes lives is completion, support and accountability,” the Minister stated.

Describing the initiative as one of the largest government-funded digital skills investments in Nigeria’s history, the Minister said every participant would access the training at no personal cost as the Federal Government had fully paid for the licences.

He assured that the Tinubu administration would continue investing in programmes that empower Nigerian youths with globally competitive skills and qualifications needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to quality education, promoting digital innovation and creating opportunities that will enable Nigerian youths thrive both locally and internationally.