By Victor AhiumaYoung

Nigeria is grappling with a significant youth employment crisis, with millions of young people either underemployed or unemployed. According to a report by the Palladium Group, over 50 per cent of Nigeria’s youth population faces these challenges due to a mismatch between the education system and the needs of the job market. 

Despite the growing demand for digital skills, the country’s education system is not adequately preparing young people for the technology-driven economy.

The root of the problem lies in the fact that many Nigerian graduates lack essential skills needed in the modern job market such as proficiency in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. 

The huge digital skills gap was a concern to stakeholders during the launch of Global Certification and Training Partnership Programme few days ago at DBI’s Lagos campus. 

For the stakeholders, digital literacy, once a niche skill, is now a basic requirement for employment in virtually every industry, but Nigerian institutions are not equipping students with the tools to succeed in a digital-first world.

Speaking, President and CEO of DBI, David Daser, stressed the need to close the digital skills gap in Nigeria, lamenting that “only seven  per cent of Nigerian youths aged 15-24 possess the necessary ICT skills for the digital economy, leading to significant challenges in youth employment. DBI’s new initiative aims to address this problem by providing globally recognised certifications in key digital fields, helping young people acquire skills that match industry demands.

“The Digital Bridge Institute’s Global Certification and Training Partnership Programme (GTP/GCP) seeks to democratize access to digital education by licensing training programs across Nigeria. By partnering with institutions and organisations, DBI hopes to provide high-quality ICT training nationwide. “This initiative is particularly crucial as Nigeria works towards its goal of increasing digital literacy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Also, Chairman of Commit Technology and Consult Ltd, Dr. Niran Oyekale, highlighted the importance of embracing digital skills as a foundational element of education. 

According to him: “While degrees are important, they are no longer sufficient on their own in a digital economy. The jobs of the future will require practical, globally recognised skills, and Nigeria must act swiftly to ensure that its youth are prepared to meet these demands.”

He called for a national overhaul of the education system to integrate advanced digital competencies. 

Dr. Oyekale emphasized the “need for a greater focus on fields such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data analytics, which are critical to the future workforce.”

He called for the “adoption of global certifications, which serve as tangible proof of skills and increase employability, especially in a competitive job market.”

Similarly, CEO of the Nigeria Climate Innovation Center, NCIC, Bankole Oloruntoba, emphasised the opportunity Nigeria has to fill the global talent gap. 

With millions of unfilled digital jobs expected in the coming years, Oloruntoba pointed out that “Nigeria’s young, tech-savvy population is well-positioned to take advantage of this opportunity—provided they are equipped with the right skills. “

He urged collaboration between public and private sectors to create a robust digital ecosystem.

The DBI certification programmes aim to empower trainers and institutions by providing them with globally recognised curricula, ensuring that all training meets international standards. This approach will not only enhance the employability of Nigerian youth but also position the country as a leader in global digital talent development. The initiative aligns with the Nigerian government’s broader vision of diversifying the economy and reducing reliance on oil by investing in the tech sector.

However, as stakeholders have pointed out, the skills gap is not only an economic issue but a security concern as well. 

Dr. Oyekale warned that without meaningful opportunities, young Nigerians could fall prey to extremism and criminal activities. 

He emphasized the need for a coordinated, national strategy to provide the youths with the skills necessary to contribute to the economy and secure their future.

The success of this initiative hinges on collaboration between all stakeholders, including government agencies, private companies, and educational institutions. By working together, these groups can ensure that young Nigerians have access to the training and opportunities they need to succeed in the global digital economy.

The DBI’s licensing programme offers a practical solution to Nigeria’s youth employment crisis by providing accessible, high-quality digital training. 

This initiative aims to boost Nigeria’s competitiveness on the global stage, increase youth employability, and ultimately contribute to economic growth. If successful, it will help transform Nigeria into a hub for digital innovation and skilled professionals.

As the world moves further into the digital age, Nigeria’s ability to harness the potential of its youth through digital skills, will be critical to its future. 

The DBI’s Global Certification and Training Partnership Programme is an important step toward addressing the nation’s youth employment crisis, empowering young people, and shaping a prosperous future for Nigeria.