The Federal Government has unveiled the National Digital Training Academy, DTA, as the next phase of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s plan to equip Nigerian youths with globally competitive digital skills.
The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, announced the initiative on Thursday, August 6, 2026, in Jigawa State, during the graduation of 928 beneficiaries of the World Bank-assisted IDEAS Project.
Dr. Alausa said the Academy will be implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy through the 3 Million Technical Talent, 3MTT, programme.
The DTA will provide advanced training and internationally recognised certifications in: Software Development, Cloud Technologies, Cybersecurity, IT Automation, Product Management, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Connected Technologies, Natural Language Processing, Fintech, Parallel Computing and Quantum Computing.
"This initiative reflects the Federal Government's resolve to reposition education as a strategic driver of national development by equipping learners with industry-relevant skills that enhance employability, promote entrepreneurship and strengthen Nigeria's economic competitiveness," the Minister stated according to a statement by Ikharo Attah, Special Adviser, Media and Communications.
Dr. Alausa said the DTA complements ongoing TVET reforms where skills acquisition is now a central pillar of education policy. The Ministry is expanding access to quality TVET, modernising institutions and strengthening industry partnerships.
He also highlighted the National Education Data Infrastructure, NEDI, and the Digitalised Nigeria Education Management Information System, DNEMIS, which he said are transforming education governance with real-time data on enrolment, teachers, infrastructure and school safety.
The graduation ceremony was for beneficiaries of the one-year professional diploma programme under the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills, IDEAS, Project, implemented with Baze University.
Dr. Alausa charged the 928 graduates to embrace lifelong learning and innovation.
"The knowledge you have acquired should serve as a foundation for developing solutions, creating jobs and advancing national development."
He assured that the Ministry will continue to expand TVET, accelerate digital skills through the DTA, and position Nigeria as a leading hub for innovation and skilled talent in Africa.
Governor Umar Namadi, described it as a milestone in Jigawa’s investment in human capital. He said the graduates were trained in AI, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering and Data Analytics.
He announced that 30 outstanding graduands would receive laptops from the State Government, while 4 exceptional participants had secured employment with Baze University.
Governor Namadi also unveiled the Jigawa State 12-Point Agenda Digital Portal, to provide citizens real-time information on government programmes across the state’s 27 LGAs and 287 wards.
Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa'id Ahmad, commended the partnership between FG, Jigawa State, the World Bank, IDEAS Project and Baze University.
She urged the graduates to apply their skills to solving real-world problems and creating businesses.