In a recent interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, spilled the beans on an ambitious program. The overarching goal? To create job opportunities for the vibrant youth population of Nigeria.
Empowering Youth Through Tech Training
Tijani unveiled a flagship initiative aimed at training a whopping three million technical talents within a span of four years. The mission? To position Nigeria as a net exporter of technology talents, drawing parallels with the tech giant, India.
Remote Work: A Game-Changer in the Tech Space
Addressing misconceptions, Tijani clarified that being a net exporter doesn’t necessarily mean people packing their bags and moving abroad. In the evolving tech landscape, remote work is the new norm. He emphasized this point, stating, “I have been part of the tech space for the last 15 years as well. The current development in the tech startup space is being driven by fewer than 10,000 technical talents.”
The Impact of Andela and the Power of Talent
Highlighting the influential role of startups like Andela, Tijani shed light on their success in strengthening the tech ecosystem, despite not training a massive number of individuals in Nigeria. He said, “The almighty Andela, which is a well-known startup that does training, does not train up to 10,000 people in Nigeria, yet they have been quite successful in helping to strengthen that ecosystem.”
Unleashing the Power of Talent for a Digital Economy
Tijani emphasized that talent is the linchpin for Nigeria’s digital economy. He drew a parallel with India, stating, “India did it, it is nothing new. India was the source of technology talents for many years; it is our time because we have everything it takes to be able to get there.”
Looking Ahead: Nigeria’s Potential in the Global Tech Arena
In closing, the Minister expressed optimism about Nigeria’s potential in the global tech arena. With a concerted effort to train and empower the youth in technology, Nigeria aims to not only keep up with the fast-paced industry but emerge as a significant player on the world stage.
As the nation sets its sights on becoming a net exporter of tech talents, the journey promises to be transformative, opening new avenues for economic growth and prosperity. The question now remains: Can Nigeria replicate the success stories of other tech powerhouses, making its mark in the digital landscape? Only time will tell as the ambitious program unfolds.
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