FG Offers Nigerians Free Training in AI, Cybersecurity, Software Development, Other High-Paying Tech Skills
Nigerians seeking to acquire valuable digital skills and improve their chances of securing employment in the fast-growing technology sector can now access free Government-sponsored training in Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, software development and several other high-demand areas.
Global Mirror News gathered that the opportunity is being provided through the Federal Government-backed Digital Training Academy, an initiative under the National Skilling Project, in partnership with Coursera, a global online learning platform.
According to information published by the Digital Training Academy, the programme is designed to equip Nigerians with relevant digital and professional skills capable of improving employability, entrepreneurship and participation in the emerging digital economy.
The initiative targets the training of 36,000 Nigerians across all 37 states of the federation, with participants expected to gain access to learning opportunities covering more than 10 technology and emerging-skill areas.
Free training in high-demand technology fields
Global Mirror News gathered that successful applicants will receive government-sponsored learning licences, meaning they will not be required to pay for the training.
Among the areas covered by the programme are:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Software Development
- Cybersecurity
- Cloud Technologies
- IT Automation
- FinTech
- Connected Technologies
- Parallel Computing
- Quantum Computing
- Natural Language Processing (NLP)
The Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning pathway is particularly significant as AI continues to transform industries, workplaces and business processes globally.
The training is expected to expose learners to technologies used in building intelligent systems, including artificial intelligence, machine learning and deep-learning techniques.
Students, job seekers and workers can apply
The programme is not restricted to people who already work in the technology industry.
According to the academy, students, job seekers and working professionals can participate, making the initiative potentially useful both to Nigerians seeking their first opportunity in the digital economy and those hoping to upgrade their existing qualifications.
For young Nigerians struggling to enter the labour market, the programme could provide an avenue to develop practical skills without the financial burden normally associated with premium online technology courses.
Similarly, professionals already employed in other sectors can use the opportunity to acquire additional digital competencies that could improve their career prospects.
Training delivered through Coursera
Global Mirror News gathered that the courses are delivered through Coursera, giving participants access to learning resources from universities, technology companies and other recognised institutions and experts around the world.
However, the academy does not publicly provide a complete list of every individual Coursera course attached to each learning track.
Instead, applicants are expected to complete registration and an assessment before their specific learning pathway becomes available through their learner dashboard.
How Nigerians can register
Interested Nigerians are required to begin the process by creating an account through the Digital Training Academy portal.
Applicants will need their National Identification Number (NIN) and phone number to create an account.
After registration, applicants are expected to complete their profiles by providing relevant information about their educational or professional background, areas of interest and career aspirations.
They will then take a pre-assessment, which is designed to determine their existing level of knowledge and assist the academy in placing them on an appropriate learning pathway.
The process can therefore be summarised as registration, profile completion, pre-assessment, assessment of skill level and commencement of the recommended learning programme.
Training is fully sponsored
One of the major attractions of the initiative is that the learning licence is provided free of charge to successful participants under the Federal Government sponsorship.
Global Mirror News gathered that the programme is also designed to address the challenge faced by Nigerians who may not have personal computers or reliable internet access.
The Digital Training Academy says training centres have been established in different parts of the country, with internet access and learning devices available to support participants.
This arrangement could widen access to digital education, particularly for young Nigerians in communities where access to computers, broadband internet and paid international learning platforms remains limited.
Participants to receive certificates
The programme also provides for certificates for participants who successfully complete the required training and assessments.
The academy currently lists 36,000 learners and 36,000 certificates, corresponding with the target number of beneficiaries under the initiative.
The duration of the training, however, is not uniform. Global Mirror News gathered that the length of study depends on the particular skill track and the level of training selected by each participant.
The programme combines online learning with facilitated learning and practical activities designed to strengthen participants’ understanding and application of the skills acquired.
Opportunity comes amid growing demand for digital skills
The Federal Government’s initiative comes at a time when technology-driven industries are creating new career opportunities while simultaneously changing the nature of traditional employment.
Skills in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, software development and financial technology are increasingly relevant to businesses and organisations seeking to operate effectively in a digital environment.
For Nigeria’s large youthful population, access to affordable digital training could therefore play an important role in improving employability and supporting participation in both the local and international digital economy.
Global Mirror News encourages interested Nigerians to verify their eligibility and complete registration only through the official Digital Training Academy platform.
Interested applicants can register through the Digital Training Academy portal:
