The Federal Government has taken a major step toward closing Nigeria’s digital skills gap with the launch of the Digital Bridge Institute Certificate Licensing Programme.
The initiative, unveiled on March 4, 2025, at DBI’s Lagos campus, aims to equip individuals with globally recognised ICT certifications, improving employability and strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy.
The President and Chief Executive Officer of DBI, David Daser, emphasised the programme’s significance in addressing the country’s growing demand for digital expertise.
“This marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s efforts to equip its citizens with the necessary skills to thrive in the modern economy. We are creating pathways for growth, empowering individuals, and positioning Nigeria as a leader in the global digital space,” Daser stated.
DBI, an institution under the Nigerian Communications Commission, has long been a key player in ICT education, collaborating with global tech giants like Cisco, Microsoft, and Huawei.
A statement on Tuesday noted that these partnerships enable DBI to offer world-class training that meets international standards.
The urgency of the initiative is underscored by alarming statistics.
According to a UNICEF report, only seven per cent of Nigerians aged 15-24 possess marketable ICT skills, leaving a vast majority unprepared for the digital economy.
Meanwhile, a separate 2020 Palladium Group report found that over 50 per cent of Nigerian youth are either unemployed or underemployed due to a mismatch between their education and job market demands.
It further noted that the newly launched Global Certification and Training Partnership Programme (GTP/GCP) seeks to close this gap by licensing DBI’s training programmes to institutions and trainers across Nigeria, ensuring accessibility even in underserved regions.
“This initiative is not just for Lagos; we are taking digital training to every corner of Nigeria,” Daser affirmed.
The programme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic growth, job creation, and youth empowerment.
On his part, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, praised the initiative, stating, “This programme ensures our youth are not left behind in the digital age.”
Highlighting the economic urgency, the Chairman of Commit Technology and Consult Ltd, Dr Niran Oyekale, warned that the global economy could face a shortfall of 85 million skilled workers—a gap worth $8.5tn.
Oyekale stressed that Nigeria’s youthful population could play a key role in bridging this gap if equipped with the right skills.
He added that the DBI Certificate Licensing Programme is expected to boost job creation, innovation, and economic diversification, setting Nigeria on a path to becoming a global ICT powerhouse.
“This is not just about training—it is about creating opportunities and securing Nigeria’s place in the digital future,” Daser stated.
