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The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s education system to equip young people with digital competencies, practical skills and entrepreneurial capabilities needed to thrive in the evolving world of work.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, gave the assurance while delivering the keynote address at the Cisco Networking Academy Instructor Safari Conference for English West and Central Africa, themed “Navigating the Future of Skills Development for the Nigerian Economy.”
Alausa said the government was transforming the education system from one focused primarily on academic learning to a more practical and technology-driven model that prepares learners for employment, innovation and enterprise creation.
He explained that technology had become a critical instrument for improving educational outcomes and expanding economic opportunities, adding that ongoing curriculum reforms were integrating digital technology from the primary school level to establish a strong foundation for advanced digital competencies.
“Across every sector, digital technology is changing how we learn, work, communicate and create value. Our responsibility is to ensure that Nigerian young people have the opportunity to acquire these skills and apply them productively,” the minister said.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising human capital development under the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that a technology-enabled education system was essential to improving national productivity, creating employment opportunities and strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global economy.
According to him, the Federal Ministry of Education’s reform agenda is anchored on six priority areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical Sciences (STEMM); Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET); reduction of out-of-school children; girl-child education; data and digitalisation; and quality assurance.
He said the priorities were designed to improve learning outcomes and develop a skilled workforce capable of responding to emerging economic demands.
The minister explained that digital competencies cut across the six priority areas, supporting scientific learning, strengthening practical instruction, expanding access to educational opportunities and improving evidence-based planning and quality assurance.
Alausa identified software development, computer networking, cybersecurity, data analytics, cloud computing and artificial intelligence as critical areas of digital competence that Nigerian youths must embrace to remain relevant in the changing labour market.
However, he stressed that technical knowledge alone would not guarantee success, insisting that learners must also develop critical thinking, communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
He maintained that the effectiveness of digital training institutions should not be measured solely by examination results but by their ability to produce graduates who can develop practical solutions, create useful products, improve services and establish sustainable businesses.
To bridge the gap between training and employment, the minister called for stronger collaboration among educational institutions, industry stakeholders and employers.
He urged training providers to incorporate practical projects, mentorship, internships and recognised professional certifications into their programmes to ensure that learners acquired skills relevant to workplace demands.
Alausa added that portfolios demonstrating learners’ practical achievements would improve their prospects for employment, entrepreneurship and further education.
According to him, such an approach would enable employers to assess candidates based on demonstrable competencies rather than academic qualifications alone, while encouraging students to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges.
The minister also emphasised the need for inclusive digital development, calling for equitable access to affordable internet connectivity, digital devices and accessible learning resources.
He said girls and young women, persons with disabilities, rural learners and students facing financial constraints must not be excluded from opportunities created by technological advancement.
Alausa further highlighted the importance of partnerships in expanding digital access, strengthening instructors’ capacity and ensuring that underserved communities benefited from technology-driven educational reforms.
In a related address, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, drew on his experience as a Cisco Networking Academy alumnus to highlight the transformative potential of digital skills.
Abdullahi said digital competencies could reshape career paths and prepare Nigerians for changing workplace demands, urging instructors to focus on developing learners’ capacity for complex problem-solving, critical thinking and lifelong learning rather than prioritising examination success alone.
He also highlighted collaboration between NITDA and the Federal Ministry of Education to integrate digital literacy into school curricula and tertiary education.
The NITDA director-general’s remarks underscored the importance of aligning education with technological developments and the changing requirements of the labour market.
Alausa assured Nigerians that the ministry would sustain the implementation of education reforms under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, deepen partnerships with industry and development partners, and expand access to quality digital skills training.
He said the government was determined to ensure that Nigerian youths were adequately prepared for emerging employment opportunities, entrepreneurship and the demands of the future economy.
The minister formally declared the Cisco Networking Academy Instructor Safari Conference for English West and Central Africa open, expressing confidence that sustained investment in digital education and skills development would produce competent professionals, innovative entrepreneurs and a workforce capable of driving national prosperity.
He reiterated that repositioning education for the digital economy remained central to building a productive workforce and securing Nigeria’s long-term economic competitiveness.
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