The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to equipping Nigerian youths with globally competitive digital skills through the newly launched Digital Training Academy (DTA), a flagship initiative under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
This is contained in a statement signed by Ikharo Attah, Special Adviser (Media and Communications), on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held on the sidelines of the Education World Forum (EWF) in London, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, described the programme as a strategic investment designed to prepare young Nigerians for opportunities in the rapidly expanding global digital economy.
According to the Minister, the initiative underscores the administration’s focus on youth empowerment, innovation and human capital development.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda recognises that digital competency is no longer optional. It is foundational,” Dr. Alausa stated. “The Digital Training Academy is a direct investment in helping young Nigerians compete and lead in the global digital economy.”
Under the programme, the Federal Government has partnered with Coursera, one of the world’s leading online learning platforms, to provide training in high-demand fields including artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, cloud computing and software engineering.
Participants are expected to earn internationally recognised certifications that will enhance their employability and position them for global career opportunities.
To ensure nationwide access and effective implementation, the programme will be executed in collaboration with National Open University of Nigeria and Yaba College of Technology.
Dr. Alausa explained that the nationwide presence of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) would guarantee equal access to participants across the country’s geopolitical zones, while Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) would provide technical expertise, facilitators and mentorship support.
“Access to training alone is not enough. What truly changes lives is completion, support and accountability,” the Minister said.
Describing the agreement as “a covenant between government and Nigerian youth,” he assured that the Tinubu administration would continue investing in initiatives that provide young Nigerians with the skills, confidence and credentials required to compete globally.
The Minister also commended Coursera, NOUN and YABATECH for partnering with the Federal Government to bring the initiative to fruition.
In what officials described as one of the largest government-funded digital skills investments in Nigeria’s history, the Federal Government has fully funded 36,000 licences across Coursera and Pluralsight for Nigerian youths in the first year of the programme.
The development means beneficiaries will access world-class digital training at no personal cost, as the government has absorbed the full financial burden to eliminate barriers to participation.
The Federal Ministry of Education reiterated its commitment to expanding access to quality education, promoting digital innovation and empowering Nigerian youths with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
