By Shuaib S. Agaka

The Coursera Global Impact Award to National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) came as no surprise to stakeholders and other citizens.

Because, as an agency, NITDA continued to single-handedly and actively utilizes all its resources to ensure every citizen has a place in the global tech landscape. Therefore, such a pioneering agency is just worthy of the highest praise and commendation.

Under the visionary leadership of Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, NITDA has successfully been fulfilling its core mandate of promoting IT growth in Nigeria through forward-thinking policies, regulations, and initiatives, sparking innovation, entrepreneurship, and IT solutions development that address both domestic and global needs, with far-reaching impact across the nation.

Over the years, the agency has proven its objectives extend beyond mere policy formulation; it actively promotes the adoption of technology in various sectors, including education, health, and agriculture. By encouraging public-private partnerships, NITDA seeks to leverage the expertise of industry players to develop comprehensive IT solutions that address the unique challenges faced by Nigerians. Through initiatives that support startups and SMEs, NITDA works to create a vibrant ecosystem for tech-driven innovations.

NITDA’s commitment to promoting digital skills aligns with its broader vision of positioning Nigeria as a leading player in the global digital economy. The vision which includes improving IT infrastructure and ensuring that citizens are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly digital world. NITDA is building a workforce that is both competitive and resilient through fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation.

Commendably, the agency has intensified its efforts to enhance digital literacy across the country, recognizing that skills development is crucial for driving economic growth. Through various programs and partnerships, the agency is not only advocating for IT education but is also taking tangible steps to implement it.

The establishment of initiatives aimed at youth empowerment through technology showcases NITDA’s dedication to fostering a tech-savvy population that can contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.

Through the years, NITDA has launched a variety of digital skills programs aimed at addressing the growing need for technology proficiency in Nigeria. One of the cornerstone initiatives is the Digital Literacy Training Program, designed to equip participants with essential computer skills and internet literacy. This program targets various demographics, including students, professionals, and entrepreneurs, ensuring that a broad spectrum of the population benefits from digital education.

The training encompasses topics such as basic computer operation, online communication, and essential software applications, creating a solid foundation for further learning.

In addition to its core initiatives, NITDA has developed specialized courses that delve into more advanced areas of technology by establishing collaborations with prominent technology entities, such as Coursera.

These courses cover subjects such as data science, web development, and digital marketing, catering to both beginners and more experienced learners.

By leveraging Coursera’s extensive course offerings, NITDA provides participants with access to high-quality content created by leading universities and industry experts.

This partnership not only enriches the curriculum but also ensures that learners are equipped with relevant skills in a rapidly changing job market.

Another significant initiative is the “National Digital Literacy Framework,” which aims to create a comprehensive framework for digital education across Nigeria. This strategy encompasses partnerships with educational institutions, private sector organizations, and non-profits to develop training programs tailored to local needs.

Workshops and seminars are regularly conducted to raise awareness about the importance of digital skills, encouraging participation from diverse communities. By engaging various stakeholders, NITDA fosters a collaborative approach to skill development, enhancing the overall impact of its initiatives.

Furthermore, the “3 Million Technical Talent (3mtt)” initiative has been a game-changer for Nigeria’s digital landscape, catapulting digital literacy and skills to unprecedented heights. With over a million citizens already empowered through this program, it’s clear that digital liberation is well underway. And the best part? Even more individuals are poised to reap the benefits of this initiative, paving the way for a brighter, more digitally inclusive future.

In addition to formal training programs, NITDA has also introduced mentorship initiatives that connect participants with industry professionals. These mentorship programs offer guidance, networking opportunities, and real-world insights, helping learners to navigate their career paths more effectively.

In recognition of NITDA’s efforts, 3,000 citizens can now access valuable tech internships through the United Nations. By linking aspiring professionals with seasoned mentors, NITDA cultivates a culture of growth and continuous learning, empowering individuals to thrive in the tech industry.

The impact of NITDA’s programs can be illustrated through compelling success stories from participants who have transformed their lives through digital skills training. Many former trainees have secured employment in reputable companies, launched their startups, or advanced in their current careers thanks to the skills they acquired.

These initiatives have had a profound impact on local economies and job creation. By equipping individuals with essential technology competencies, NITDA is enabling a workforce that is better prepared for the demands of the modern job market. This emphasis on digital literacy has led to increased employability for thousands of Nigerians.

Moreover, the emergence of startups in Nigeria has been significantly influenced by the availability of a skilled labor force. Many entrepreneurs have tapped into the growing pool of digitally literate individuals to launch tech-driven businesses that address local needs.

For instance, startups in fintech and e-commerce have thrived, leveraging technology to improve financial access and shopping experiences. These businesses not only create jobs for skilled workers but also stimulate economic activity by providing services that cater to a tech-savvy population. As these startups grow, they contribute to the overall economic landscape, helping to position Nigeria as a burgeoning hub for innovation in Africa.

NITDA’s journey towards enhancing digital skills in Nigeria has been marked by significant achievements and impactful initiatives. The recognition received through the Coursera Global Impact Award highlights the agency’s commitment to fostering a digitally literate workforce that can contribute to the nation’s economic and social development.

Through diverse training programs, strategic partnerships, and a focus on inclusivity, NITDA has not only empowered individuals but has also laid the groundwork for a more competitive and innovative digital economy. As the agency continues to navigate challenges, its efforts remain crucial for bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to technology.

To sustain and amplify this momentum, it is essential for stakeholders—government bodies, private sector organizations, educational institutions, and civil society—to rally around NITDA’s initiatives. Collaboration and investment in digital education are vital for creating an inclusive environment where all Nigerians can thrive in a rapidly evolving job market.

Stakeholders should actively participate in developing programs, providing resources, and advocating for policies that promote digital literacy. By working together, they can ensure that the benefits of digital skills training reach every corner of the country.

Looking ahead, the vision for a digitally empowered Nigeria is within reach. By prioritizing digital education and fostering a culture of continuous learning, Nigeria can cultivate a workforce ready to meet the demands of the global digital economy.

As NITDA leads the charge in this transformative journey, a collective commitment to supporting digital skills initiatives will pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future, where all citizens can harness the power of technology to improve their lives and contribute to national progress.

Shuaib S. Agaka, a tech journalist, writes from PRNigeria Center, Kano.

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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has received the prestigious Coursera Global Impact Award for its exemplary efforts in harnessing the resources of Coursera’s online learning platform to create a transformative impact through education.

Coursera, a leading global online learning platform, provides access to courses and degrees from top universities and companies worldwide, empowering learners everywhere to acquire new skills.

The award ceremony was held during the 12th annual Coursera Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, where innovative organizations from around the globe were celebrated for their contributions to education and the future of learning.

Kashifu Inuwa, the Director General of NITDA, graciously accepted the award on behalf of the agency. In his remarks, he expressed gratitude to the organizers for the international recognition and emphasized the Nigerian government’s commitment to economic transformation through technology and innovation under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Our vision prioritizes ICT as a fundamental component across all sectors, promoting sustainable growth and development,” Inuwa stated. “We are also focusing on internal transformation at NITDA, fostering a vibrant organizational culture and advancing our workforce in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to enhance productivity and knowledge management.”

As part of this vision, NITDA launched the 1 Million Developers and Skills Initiative, aimed at boosting digital skills and employability. This initiative positions Nigeria as a potential global talent exporter and is bolstered by a partnership with Coursera that began in September 2022, initially providing 4,000 licenses for learners.

The Coursera Global Impact Award specifically recognizes NITDA’s launch of the “One Million Developers and Skills” initiative, which empowers Nigerians by providing access to digital learning opportunities. In less than two years, the initiative has enrolled over 8,000 learners in nearly 60,000 courses, totaling more than 200,000 learning hours on the Coursera platform.

This strategic approach addresses immediate skill gaps while laying the groundwork for long-term digital transformation in Nigeria, significantly enhancing learners’ skills, productivity, and employability.

Tech Digest reports that other notable winners at the event included iPeople, a prominent education organization in the Philippines; Larsen & Toubro Ltd. (L&T) and Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Economy, which jointly received the AI Innovation Award; Prince Sultan University, recognized with the Engagement Excellence Award; Goeasy, receiving the Talent Transformation Award; and Dr. Kelvin Bentley from the University of Texas System, honored with the Learning Hero Award.

NITDA’s recognition at the Coursera Global Impact Awards underscores its commitment to fostering a digitally skilled workforce, driving innovation, and enhancing the employability of Nigerians on the global stage.

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By Memuna Abdulwahab

The robots are coming! Well, not quite, but Artificial Intelligence (AI) is certainly transforming the world of work at an unprecedented pace. As machines learn to think, act, and work like humans, the fear of job displacement is palpable. As AI systems become increasingly sophisticated, the question on everyone’s mind is: will we be replaced by machines? The good news is that while AI will undoubtedly change the job market, it also presents a chance for us to adapt, innovate, and create new opportunities.

In this piece we will delve into the strategies and solutions that will enable you to stay ahead of the curve, harness the power of AI, and thrive in a future where humans and machines collaborate to create a new world of work.

Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends: Continuously update your knowledge and skills. Take advantage of online learning platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and learning to upskill and reskill to match the latest industry developments.

Networking and Online tutorials: Connect with colleagues, peers, professional associations, join industry-specific associations and participate in their events, training, and networiking opportunities, share knowledge, best practices, and insights.

Industry reports, research and Explore: Read and analyse industry reports, research papers, and try new tools, technologies methods to stay hands-on and knowledgeable.

Develop a Growth Mindset and Focus on High-Value Tasks: Embrace challenges and view failures as opportunities for growth, priortise tasks that require human creativity, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Cultivate Soft Skills and Embrace Automation: Develop strong communication, collaboration, and time management skills. Recognise the benefits of automation and AI in augmenting your work.

Develop Creative Problem-solving Skills: Learn to approach problems with innovative thinking and basic data analysis and interpretation skills.

By following these guides and steps you’ll be  better and well-informed about the latest developments, trends, and innovations in your industry, to navigate the changing job market and stay relevant and more valuable in the AI era.

The post Navigating the AI Shift: A Guide to Staying Employed and Relevant By Memuna Abdulwahab appeared first on Tech Digest News.

By Kabir Abdulsalam

Forget hefty tuition fees! Did you know that Coursera, the renowned online learning platform, offers a secret weapon for budget-conscious learners – financial aid. Dive into this guide and discover how to snag that coveted course completion certificate (and the knowledge along with it) absolutely free.

Craving new skills or career development, but strapped for cash? Coursera’s vast course library might seem out of reach with its paid certificates. (Financial Aid). But fear not, financial aid opens the door to a world of opportunity, granting you access to top-notch courses from leading universities and companies – completely free.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to conquering Coursera with financial aid:

Find Your Dream Course: Dive into Coursera’s extensive catalog and pinpoint the course that ignites your learning passion. Whether you’re a coding enthusiast or a marketing mastermind, there’s something for everyone.

Look closely below the instructor’s bio. If financial aid is available, you’ll spot a hyperlink labeled “Financial Aid.” Click it, and enter the application portal – your gateway to free learning riches.

Briefly share your educational background, employment status, and annual income (if applicable). More importantly, articulate your learning goals and why this specific course fuels your aspirations. Explain why financial aid is crucial for making your educational dreams a reality.

The Coursera team carefully reviews each application. While you await their decision, visualize yourself mastering new skills and achieving your goals. Remember, patience is a virtue (and sometimes, it unlocks free knowledge!).

But wait, there’s more! Coursera isn’t just about affordability. It’s a vibrant community of learners and educators, committed to making quality education accessible to all. Here’s why choosing Coursera is a win-win:

You will gain insights from professors at prestigious universities like Stanford and Yale, or industry experts from Google and IBM.

Flexible Learning: Study at your own pace, anytime, anywhere. No rigid schedules or commutes – just pure learning bliss.

Career-Ready Skills: Equip yourself with in-demand skills that open doors to new job opportunities and career advancement.

Globally Recognized Certificates: Showcase your achievements with Coursera’s completion certificates, valued by employers worldwide.

So, what are you waiting for? Unleash your potential and embark on a transformative learning journey with Coursera’s financial aid program. Remember, knowledge is power, and with this handy guide, it’s also absolutely free!

Remember, the key to success is taking that first step. Start exploring Coursera’s courses today and unlock a world of free learning possibilities!

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By Oluwole Alao

TECHDIGEST – The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in partnership with COURSERA has continued to display its commitment to empowering the youths of the country by offering job-ready digital skills scholarship training programmes towards youth dependency and marketability.

The second cohort which is a six-month training programme that is fully funded by NITDA in partnership with COURSERA is aimed at building the digital capacities of Nigeria’s youths that will enable them to earn professional certifications from top United State of America’s colleges and global tech giants.

Enriched with artificial intelligence, user exchange design, user inter-phase design, web development and android development courses and many other courses, the training programme aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to creating 1 million jobs for youths in the digital economy.

Welcoming the participants to the webinar, the NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE who was represented by the Agency’s Acting Director, Digital Literacy and Capacity Development Department, Dr Amina Sambo expressed his deep pleasure at the enthusiasm displayed by the trainees towards the learning process.

Referring to testimonies shared by the some of the beneficiaries of the just concluded Cohort One training programme, who have acquired digital skills that are marketable globally, he urged the participants to make the best use of the opportunity given to them.

He explained that over 150,000 applications were received and selected applicants have been sent emails on their various scholarship programmes. He however assured others that it is a continuous process and they would be given opportunities in the future.

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“We are very pleased to tell you that NITDA has signed a partnership with COURSERA and it is a three-year partnership. We are going to be providing this scholarship to Nigerians for three years in total,” he reiterated.

While delivering his presentation during the induction for the Cohort Two, the COURSERA Senior Customer Success Manager, Mr Khaled Al-Kokhon congratulated all successful applicants for the scholarship programme.

He stated that COURSERA is the largest online education company with over one 100 million learners globally who get access to COURSERA content with courses from top universities such as Duke, Yale, Princeton and many more.

Urging the participants to make the best use of the programme, he stated that “the partnership between NITDA and COURSERA will give Nigerians access to high-quality contents which will enable you to up-skill and re-skill yourselves into future jobs that COURSERA and NITDA have curated content for”.

the first ten participants to complete a professional certification which includes the Associate level, the Professional level and the Expert level would be given laptops as prizes for their prowess.

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TECHDIGEST – The Federal Government, in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Coursera, is offering scholarships to support the creation of 1 million jobs in the digital economy.

This initiative aims to enhance individuals’ capacity by equipping them with the skills required for digital employment opportunities.

Through these scholarships, Nigerian citizens have the opportunity to obtain professional certifications from renowned multinational tech companies such as Meta, Google, and IBM, as well as prestigious US universities.

READ ALSO: Nigeria’s Tech Ecosystem Attracts $4.4b Investment – NITDA Boss 

To participate, applicants need to select one certification program from both Category A and Category B.

Category A, known as the “IT Career Pathway: consists of 19 professional certification programs that are designed to jumpstart a successful IT career. Each program comprises a series of interconnected courses that focus on providing comprehensive knowledge and practical skills necessary for employment in the IT industry.

Upon completing each course, participants will receive a certificate of completion. However, the professional certification will be awarded upon successfully finishing all the required courses within the program.

Category B, referred to as the “Complementary Skills Pathway: offers four certification programs that complement IT career skills. These programs aim to enhance individuals’ proficiency in utilizing digital productivity tools, foster an entrepreneurial mindset, and develop freelancing skills.

By participating in Category B programs, individuals can sharpen their expertise in digital productivity, entrepreneurship, and freelancing, which will complement their IT career skills.

Application closing date: The call for application starts on Wednesday, 31st May 2023, and is to close on Wednesday 14th June 2023.

Training date: The Cohort 2 training starts on Monday, 19th June 2023 for 6 months.

How to apply:
Interested applicants that wants to gain opportunity to skills that can give you access to global jobs should apply via this link.

Coursera is a global digital learning platform that has affiliation with many Ivy League universities across the world. NITDA partnered with Coursera to access licenses for its citizens through the paid partnership on the “coursera for Government initiative.

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By Inyene Ibanga

TECHDIGEST – The eighth edition of the Information Communication Technology (ICT) Expo happened in Lagos between August 31 and September 1, 2022, with the theme “Ensuring Efficient Digital Infrastructure in Nigeria.” Stakeholders at the event acknowledged that the lack of sufficient digital infrastructure could obstruct the projected growth of the digital economy.

Highlighting the role of digital infrastructure as a vital requirement for achieving socio-economic and technological development, the stakeholders appealed to the federal and state governments to intensify efforts toward providing adequate digital infrastructure. They emphasized the multiplier effects of an effective and efficient digital infrastructure on national development.

As the information technology (IT) sector developer and regulator in Nigeria, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has been a leading advocate of PPP for the development of digital infrastructure. The agency, through its Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, has always maintained that establishing a productive PPP structure is critical to achieving a sustainable digital Nigeria. This is evident in the various collaborative initiatives and programs that NITDA is implementing efficiently through its subsidiaries, the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI) and the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR).

While NCAIR is a state-of-the-art facility established to promote research and development on digital innovation and emerging technologies, ONDI was created to support startups by connecting them with the right people, the right resources, and the right opportunities. The Office works with relevant local and foreign organizations to implement the NITDA Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan to promote digital innovation and entrepreneurship while also ensuring indigenous content development.

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NITDA, alongside its subsidiaries, is collaborating with private organizations such as Microsoft, Cisco, Google, Mass Challenge, JICA, Coursera, and DWTC, as well as government bodies like the NNPC, CBN, ICPC, and NCDMB to strengthen the startup ecosystem and achieve the Digital Nigeria Agenda. These partnerships are being actualized through flagship initiatives like Bridge To Mass Challenge, iHatch Startup Incubation, Next Innovation with Japan (NINJA) Accelerator, and the North East Startups Training, to name a few. These and many other initiatives are employed to equip Nigerians with relevant digital skills under its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) in consonance with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS).

Through its most recent partnership with Ascend Studios Foundation, the agency has launched the Creative Technology Programme (CTP) 2022 to develop and retain creative technology talents in Nigeria for the purpose of promoting career skills and providing job opportunities for beneficiaries. Participants will gain new skills to help grow their ventures and create a robust network for sharing ideas and experiences. Indeed, this partnership is crucial to enable Nigeria’s digital and creative sector to partake in the estimated $2.253 trillion global creative economy.

Digital technology has become an integral part of the way we live, work, and interact with others and the world around us. Digital transformation is on the rise and affecting every sector of the economy. As technology evolves, the need for the acquisition of digital skills cannot be overemphasized. In the same vein, the availability of sufficient digital infrastructure is a major driver of the successful digital transformation of advanced economies.

Digital infrastructure refers to both physical things and those supporting information technologies that provide basic services that are essential to economic activities and quality of life. They include the internet backbone, fixed broadband, network booster stations, data centers, communications satellites, digital devices, software, and applications, among many others.

However, infrastructural deficits have continued to impede progress in Africa due to dwindling budgetary allocations. The COVID-19 crisis worsened the situation as funding was channeled into managing the raging crisis. Africa’s developing economies require investment in digital infrastructure for the continent to thrive in the aftermath of the pandemic because the need for adopting digital technology has become more prominent.

For Nigeria, the public-private partnership (PPP) model is a viable alternative to guarantee the development of the much-needed digital infrastructure required to boost the country’s economic growth. So, the need for PPP in the provision of digital infrastructure in the country is important. Substantial and rapid investments in digital infrastructure are inevitable for Nigeria’s economy to hold a competitive advantage.
PPP involves any form of partnership, whether contractual, corporate, or collaborative. According to the World Bank, PPP is a long-term contract between a private party and a government agency for providing a public asset or service, in which the private party bears significant risk and management responsibility. The private sector could be responsible for the project’s financing, design, construction, operation, management, and maintenance.
Well-coordinated partnerships present opportunities to bring together the resources, expertise, and powers available in ways that either sector cannot achieve on its own. When implemented in a balanced regulatory environment, PPPs can bring greater efficiency and sustainability to the provision of IT and telecommunications services, whose ripple effect will positively drive innovation in energy, transport, water, education, healthcare, and all forms of business and recreational activities.

The Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, as well as its agencies, should remain focused on planning and delivering more favorable PPPs to ensure the development of critical digital infrastructure for Nigeria’s economic growth.

To ensure that private investment is used to address the digital infrastructure deficit and improve public services in accordance with the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, a strong synergy between the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and ICT sector agencies is required. It will encourage interested members of the organized private sector to support the government’s PPP initiative to increase digital infrastructure for the successful implementation of the digital economy.

Inyene Ibanga is with the Corporate and Communications Unit, Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI).

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