By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

The Federal Ministry of Education has announced a strategic partnership with AWS Academy to enhance digital competencies among Nigerian educators and students.

In a statement released on Saturday by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the ministry said the initiative aims to equip participants with 21st-century skills in cloud computing, machine learning, and other emerging technologies.

“This strategic effort is anchored on the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government and aligns with the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI). It demonstrates the Ministry’s resolve to bridge the digital divide and create equal opportunities for learners and educators across the nation,” the statement read.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the initiative as both timely and transformative. He noted that it would empower Nigerian graduates and lecturers to compete in the global digital economy.

According to the ministry, the pilot phase has successfully onboarded coordinators from 43 federal universities and polytechnics. The programme will now be extended to all federal, state, and private tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

Vice chancellors, provosts, and rectors are expected to nominate coordinators who will serve as liaisons between their institutions, AWS, and the Ministry. These coordinators will then nominate lecturers, who will in turn enrol their students for training.

To remove financial barriers, the Ministry will sponsor 50% of the certification costs, while AWS will cover the remaining 50%. This ensures participants receive training and internationally recognized certifications at no cost.

State and private tertiary institutions interested in joining the programme are encouraged to register their coordinators via the official portal on the Ministry’s website:

Registration Link: https://forms.gle/RABJuj7Ct7rrpwP1A

The second phase of onboarding begins in the coming weeks.

The Ministry urged qualified institutions to act swiftly, describing the initiative as a bold step toward advancing inclusive, innovative, and skill-based education in Nigeria.

“This collaboration with AWS marks a significant stride in ensuring that no student or educator is left behind in the global digital revolution,” the statement concluded.