Equipping the Next Generation: Digital Skills Training for Nigerian Youth
Table of Contents
- 1. Equipping the Next Generation: Digital Skills Training for Nigerian Youth
- 2. Empowering Youth for a Digital Future
- 3. Practical Training for Real-World Impact
- 4. Building a Bridge to the Future
- 5. What specific logistical challenges do you foresee in reaching remote areas and ensuring consistent power supply for this large-scale program?
- 6. Leveraging Tech for Nigeria’s Youth: An Interview with Evelyn Lewis on Digital Skills Training
- 7. Q: Evelyn, as the CEO of small Business Training Solutions, you’re at the forefront of the Digital Bridge Institute and SBTS partnership. Can you tell us more about this ambitious initiative too train 100,000 young Nigerians in Business Processing Operations over the next five years?
- 8. Q: What sets this initiative apart from other digital skills training programs in Africa?
- 9. Q: Can you share some of the practical courses offered under this initiative?
- 10. Q: How will you ensure the transition from training to employment or entrepreneurship for these young survivors?
- 11. Q: Nigeria has a vast youth population. How will this initiative cater to this diversity, and what challenges do you foresee in rolling out such a large-scale program?
- 12. Q: Evelyn, what can the government, private sector, and media do to support this initiative and the larger goal of empowering Nigeria’s youth digitally?
- 13. Q: Thank you for sharing your insights, Evelyn. We at Archyde are excited to see the impact this initiative will have on Nigeria’s youth and economic growth.
Nigeria is taking bold steps towards becoming a global leader in outsourcing, investing in its youth and their digital skills.The Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), in partnership with Small business Training Solutions (SBTS), has launched an aspiring initiative to train 100,000 Nigerian youngsters in business Processing Operations (BPO) over the next five years. This program is backed by a $200 million Human Capital Bond dedicated to generating new digital jobs across the country.
Empowering Youth for a Digital Future
This initiative goes far beyond simply imparting technical skills. “Our target is to raise $200 million for the training of Nigerian youth,” stated Evelyn Lewis, SBTS Chief Executive Officer, emphasizing the importance of equipping individuals for success in today’s digital economy. “In today’s digital economy,the ability to adapt and equip people with relevant skills determines not only individual success but also national progress.”
Understanding the challenges of accessing quality training programs in Africa,the partnership aims to bridge this gap by leveraging expertise to create a scalable and lasting model. “We are leveraging our combined expertise to create an innovative, scalable, and sustainable model that provides globally competitive training programs,” Lewis added.
Practical Training for Real-World Impact
The programs offered through this initiative are designed to be practical and industry-driven, aligning learning outcomes with employer needs. According to Lewis, the programs focus on both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. David Daser,President/CEO of DBI,echoed this commitment,stating,”The training programs will focus on entrepreneurship,digital marketing,software development,cybersecurity,and business management.”
To ensure a smooth transition from training to employment or entrepreneurship, the initiative provides additional support such as mentorship, access to funding opportunities, and business incubation support.
Building a Bridge to the Future
This partnership signifies a commitment to fostering sustainable development through education and skills acquisition. Akin Ogunlade, Head of Media Relations at DBI, described it as a testament to a shared vision of empowering the next generation. “This partnership aligns with the institute’s mandate to bridge the digital divide in Nigeria,” Daser explained, highlighting the importance of digital literacy as a catalyst for economic growth.
The initiative calls for collaborative efforts from stakeholders across all sectors. Ogunlade urged government agencies, private sector leaders, and the media to join forces in promoting digital skills training as a key driver of national development. By investing in its youth, Nigeria is laying the foundation for a brighter digital future.
What specific logistical challenges do you foresee in reaching remote areas and ensuring consistent power supply for this large-scale program?
Leveraging Tech for Nigeria’s Youth: An Interview with Evelyn Lewis on Digital Skills Training
Q: Evelyn, as the CEO of small Business Training Solutions, you’re at the forefront of the Digital Bridge Institute and SBTS partnership. Can you tell us more about this ambitious initiative too train 100,000 young Nigerians in Business Processing Operations over the next five years?
Evelyn Lewis (EL): Certainly! This initiative, backed by a $200 million Human Capital Bond, is a game-changer for Nigeria’s digital future. Our goal is to equip young Nigerians with globally competitive digital skills, enabling them to thrive in the global outsourcing industry and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Q: What sets this initiative apart from other digital skills training programs in Africa?
EL: unlike traditional programs, ours is designed to be scalable, sustainable, and industry-driven. We’re leveraging the expertise of both DBI and SBTS to create a model that aligns learning outcomes with employer needs. It’s not just about teaching; it’s about enabling real-world impact.
EL: Absolutely.Our programs cover a wide range, focusing on both technical and soft skills. This includes entrepreneurship, digital marketing, software growth, cybersecurity, and business management. We believe in a holistic approach to education that prepares students for both employment and self-employment.
Q: How will you ensure the transition from training to employment or entrepreneurship for these young survivors?
EL: We’re committed to providing additional support beyond just training. This includes mentorship, access to funding opportunities, and business incubation support. We want to create an ecosystem that nurtures our graduates and helps them succeed.
Q: Nigeria has a vast youth population. How will this initiative cater to this diversity, and what challenges do you foresee in rolling out such a large-scale program?
EL: You’re right, Nigeria’s youth diversity is one of its strengths, and we’re committed to ensuring our programs are inclusive. We’re exploring various outreach strategies,leveraging technology for remote learning,and partnering with local organizations to make our programs accessible across regions. As for challenges, we anticipate logistical ones, like reaching remote areas and ensuring consistent power supply, but we’re proactive in addressing these.
Q: Evelyn, what can the government, private sector, and media do to support this initiative and the larger goal of empowering Nigeria’s youth digitally?
EL: Collaboration is key. We’d love to see government agencies support policies that promote digital skills training, private sector leaders invest in our graduates, and the media raise awareness of this cause. Ultimately, every stakeholder has a role to play in Nigeria’s digital future.
Q: Thank you for sharing your insights, Evelyn. We at Archyde are excited to see the impact this initiative will have on Nigeria’s youth and economic growth.
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