FG/Microsoft Partnership to Equip 5M Nigerians with Digital Skills in 3 Years

The Federal Government (FG) has said that not less than five million Nigerians will benefit from a digital upskilling program; being made possible by a partnership arrangement with the Microsoft Corporation.

Also, locations in each of the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria would enjoy active internet connection; and cloud services courtesy of this digital transformation plan.

The partnership with Microsoft Corporation anchored on connectivity; skilling, and digital transformation followed discussions between both parties; led by the Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), and Microsoft President, Brad Smith, earlier in the year.

This also was contained in a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant of the Vice President, Laolu Akande, in Abuja.

However, the statement said that the Buhari administration was partnering with the tech giant to accelerate Nigeria’s certain advance towards a more digital economy in line with the Economic Sustainability Plan.

For instance, in January this year, the Vice President had a virtual meeting with the Microsoft Corporation President, Mr. Brad Smith, where discussions covered areas of intersection between technology and also governance to enhance Nigeria’s digital transformation.

Prof. Osinbajo said “our government is committed to leveraging innovation and technology; so as to bring better outcomes across a wide area of governance concerns. Indeed, it is with this in mind that we have sought constructive partnerships that bridge the knowledge; skills, and technology gap that exist in most of our communities.”

According to him, “this launch is indicative of our commitment to this and will involve collaboration with various government agencies as well as implementing partners; including the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development; the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the also Nigerian Institute of Cultural Orientation, and various other local partners.

On the core areas of the partnership, Prof. Osinbajo said “this partnership will focus on two pillars: Connectivity & Skilling, and Digital Transformation.”

He also said “we plan to connect under-served communities in each of the six geo-political zones; with access to internet and also cloud services. This project is a critical component of our objective of expanding broadband connectivity; which is by itself, a major pillar of our Economic Sustainability Plan in response to the Covis-19 pandemic.

“Working with Microsoft, we intend to upskill 5 million Nigerians through this increased internet access; over the next three years in various skills which will increase both employability and entrepreneurship. 

“The multiplier effect will bring opportunities in rural and also urban areas to many young people; and will also help us deal with unemployment problems made worse by the pandemic”, he said.

Credit:

Vanguard News

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