Alausa unveils digital training academy to drive Tinubu’s hope agenda
By Uji A Iliyasu, Abuja
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has unveiled the National Digital Training Academy (DTA), a flagship initiative to equip young Nigerians with advanced digital skills and globally recognised certifications, in furtherance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
This was disclosed in a release signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, Ikharo Attah, on Thursday following the graduation of 928 beneficiaries of a one-year professional diploma programme under the World Bank-assisted IDEAS Project, implemented with Baze University in Jigawa State.
Dr Alausa said the Academy, to be run with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy through the 3MTT programme, will offer training and certifications in Software Development, Cloud Technologies, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Product Management and other emerging fields, describing it as the next phase of building a globally competitive digital workforce.
He said the initiative complements ongoing TVET reforms and evidence-based planning tools such as NEDI and DNEMIS, which provide real-time data to guide education governance nationwide.
He commended Governor Umar Namadi for prioritising education and digital innovation, calling the Jigawa graduation proof of effective collaboration between federal and state governments.
Governor Namadi described the graduation as a milestone in human capital development, noting that graduates had gained practical skills in AI, blockchain, cybersecurity and data analytics.
He announced that 30 outstanding graduands would receive laptops, while four had secured employment with Baze University.
He also unveiled the Jigawa State 12-Point Agenda Digital Portal, designed to give citizens real-time access to information on government programmes across the state.
The Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, commended Governor Namadi and the programme’s partners, urging graduates to embrace innovation and contribute to national development.
Dr Alausa congratulated the graduates and urged them to pursue lifelong learning, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to expanding TVET access, scaling the Digital Training Academy, and strengthening partnerships to position Nigeria as a leading hub for innovation and skilled workforce in Africa.