Tinubu’s Administration to Train 40,000 Nigerians in ICT and Digital Skills Under Renewed Hope Employment Initiative
The administration of President Bola Tinubu has unveiled plans to train 40,000 Nigerians in Information Communication Technology (ICT) and digital skills as part of its Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI). This ambitious program, overseen by the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), is designed to reduce unemployment and equip participants with the skills necessary to thrive in a technology-driven economy.
In addition to the ICT-focused training, the initiative will directly engage 93,731 beneficiaries, with 3,000 slots specifically reserved for individuals with special needs, according to Honourable Silas Agara, Director General of the NDE. Agara disclosed this during the official launch of the RHEI at the NDE Skills Acquisition Center in Kuduru, Bwari Area Council, Abuja.
Inclusive Training Across Nigeria
Agara emphasized that inclusiveness is a core principle of the program. Each of Nigeria’s states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will receive 81 slots from the 3,000 allocated for persons with special needs. The broader program will benefit individuals across diverse categories, including school leavers, women, retirees, school dropouts, and graduates of tertiary institutions.
“The current employment initiative has been designed to engage a total of 93,731 unskilled and unemployed persons across Nigeria,” Agara stated.
“We ensured that a minimum of 10 persons from each of the 8,809 electoral wards were recruited, spanning 30 skill sets across our four core programs: vocational skills development, small-scale enterprises, rural employment promotion, and special public works,” he added.
Post-Training Support for Beneficiaries
The initiative also aims to empower participants beyond training by offering tools, equipment, and startup capital to help them transition into entrepreneurial ventures. Agara revealed that discussions are ongoing with financial institutions to provide additional support for those who may not be immediately resettled.
“After the training, a good number of the beneficiaries will be resettled into productive entrepreneurial lives through the provision of tools, equipment, and startup capital. Those we are unable to resettle will be linked with credit-granting institutions for further support,” Agara assured.
Focus on Digital Skills
The program places significant emphasis on digital literacy and technological advancement. The 40,000 Nigerians receiving ICT and digital skills training will be equipped with cutting-edge expertise to compete in global markets.
“This is a deliberate step by the NDE to equip our youths with emerging skills that will enable them to become globally competitive,” Agara said, noting that the adoption of advanced technology played a crucial role in designing the program.
A Path to Reducing Unemployment
The Renewed Hope Employment Initiative is part of the Tinubu administration’s broader strategy to address unemployment and boost Nigeria’s economy. By prioritizing inclusivity and equipping Nigerians with modern skills, the program aims to empower citizens and enhance their capacity to contribute to national development.
“This initiative is not just about providing skills but also ensuring that participants transition into productive roles, contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s economy,” Agara concluded.
