In a bid to propel Nigeria into the heart of the global information technology revolution and foster economic and social growth, the Federal Government, in partnership with ALAT, has unveiled the Skillnovation Programme.
This transformative initiative is set to equip more than three million Nigerians with essential digital skills vital for success in today’s global economy.
Speaking at the launch event held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday, September 29, 2023, Vice President Sen. Kashim Shettima hailed Skillnovation as a groundbreaking endeavor ushering in a new era of digital empowerment for Nigerians. He emphasized the necessity of this program in light of the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
“The world has embarked on a journey defined by disruptive technologies in the wake of the fourth Industrial Revolution,” said Vice President Shettima. “Skillnovation responds to this paradigm shift, recognizing that digital skills are now the linchpin for economic growth and expansion.”
Furthermore, the Vice President underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting small businesses throughout Nigeria. He assured that Skillnovation is just one of many initiatives designed to empower these enterprises.
Under the Skillnovation Programme, 15 state-of-the-art ICT centers will be strategically established across Nigeria, providing individuals and businesses access to cutting-edge digital training, resources, and support. The first phase of the program will target the states of Katsina, Anambra, Borno, Lagos, Oyo, and Kano, with the second phase encompassing Delta, Kaduna, Ogun, Bauchi, Kwara, and Ekiti States.
Vice President Shettima elucidated the potential benefits for Nigeria, particularly its thriving Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) sector. “Nigeria, with its burgeoning MSME sector of nearly 40 million, holds the potential to lead business innovation beyond Africa,” he declared. “The Skillnovation Programme is designed to unlock this vast potential by equipping our MSMEs with the necessary tools and skills to compete on the global stage.”
He emphasized the tangible commitment behind Skillnovation, stating, “This program is not mere rhetoric; it’s a resounding pledge to the Nigerian people. We are translating our commitment into action, serving as allies in the pursuit of empowering our youth and MSMEs to take on the world with enhanced skills.”
Inclusivity is a key facet of Skillnovation, as Vice President Shettima assured that no one would be excluded from the program based on age, gender, or disability. He announced plans for single-digit loan schemes tailored for MSMEs, in collaboration with the Bank of Industry and other critical stakeholders, particularly favoring youth, women, and individuals with disabilities.
The Skillnovation Programme marks a significant stride toward realizing the Federal Government’s vision of a digitally empowered and economically prosperous Nigeria. By equipping MSMEs with essential digital skills and support, this initiative is poised to create jobs, foster economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for millions of Nigerians.
In his welcoming address, Mr. Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, emphasized the importance of partnerships in addressing the challenges faced by Nigerians.
He called on the private sector to collaborate more closely with the government to achieve the objectives of job creation and economic growth.
