The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to repositioning Nigeria's education system to equip youths with digital competencies and industry-ready skills for the future of work.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, gave the assurance while delivering a keynote at the Cisco Networking Academy Instructor Safari Conference for English West and Central Africa in Lagos, themed "Navigating the Future of Skills Development for the Nigerian Economy."
Alausa said the government is shifting education from purely academic learning to productive employment, innovation and enterprise creation, noting that ongoing curriculum reforms now integrate digital technology from primary school level.
"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," he stated in a statement by Attah Ikharo, Special Adviser on Media and Communications.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing human capital development under the Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that a technology-enabled education system is key to national productivity and global competitiveness.
According to him, the Ministry's six priority areas — STEMM, TVET, reduction of out-of-school children, girl-child education, data and digitalisation, and quality assurance — are designed to build a workforce ready for emerging economic demands.
Alausa listed software development, networking, cybersecurity, data analytics, cloud computing and AI as critical skills, but said they must be complemented by critical thinking, teamwork and problem-solving.
He called for stronger collaboration between schools and industry, urging training providers to include practical projects, mentorship, internships and recognized certifications, adding that success should be measured by learners' ability to create solutions and businesses, not just exam scores.
He also stressed inclusive digital access for girls, persons with disabilities, rural learners and those facing financial barriers.
The Minister declared the conference open, pledging sustained reforms to prepare Nigerian youths for emerging jobs and entrepreneurship.
NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, sharing his experience as a Cisco alumnus, urged instructors to prioritize lifelong learning and complex problem-solving.