Grace Ashiru
The Nigerian government and Microsoft Corporation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to train five million Nigerians in high-demand technology skills that will help them advance in their careers.
Professor Isa Pantami, who serves as Nigeria’s Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, expressed gratitude to Microsoft for making the offer as he signed an agreement on the country’s behalf on the sidelines of GITEX 2022, which is now taking place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Prof. Pantami said that the process and implementation of the MOU would start in earnest.He stated, ” we are thrilled with this offer of corporate social responsibility from the Microsoft Corporation.”Though some agencies provide capacity-building programs for our teeming citizens, Microsoft’s new offer will go a long way toward realizing our dream of a Digital Nigeria.
We value action. Once agreements are signed, we will ensure that the implementation starts immediately. We will continue to create an enabling environment and ensure that our regulatory instruments are progressive and adaptable for Microsoft and other businesses to thrive.
Earlier, Ola Williams, Country Manager of Microsoft Nigeria, said, “Microsoft is willing to work with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy to drive skill and employment initiatives in Nigeria by potentially building the capabilities and capacities of government organizations and allowing them to provide economic opportunities for the youth.”
Some parts of the MOU were that 1 million job seekers would be taught the essential digital skills for jobs today, 1700 master trainers would get more training, and 200,000 learners would get certified.
As part of the MOU’s African Transformational Skill Portal, two million Nigerians would get free digital skills that would help them do business better, make it easier for them to find jobs, and make them more productive. As part of Gebeya, 200,000 Nigerians would be able to create profiles and get jobs at Microsoft partners and customers.
During the 30 Days of Data Platform program, at least one thousand students will be actively involved and trained in data and artificial intelligence.
In 30 days, the Microsoft Graph program will help another 100 young people improve their skills in data and intelligence work.
Under the Global Power Platform Bootcamp, more than 5500 developers would also learn how to use Microsoft’s Power Apps to build tech solutions.
Students are not excluded because 290 will acquire technological abilities in the Microsoft technology stack within the next 30 days through the student learning program. These skills will boost the students’ prospects of finding employment.
The MOU also says that 5,000 people from Nigeria will attend the Azure Nigeria Community Conference.
As part of the collaboration, 1.7 million Master Trainers will be taught introductory and intermediate digital skills, and 27,000 young people will be linked to better ways to make a living.
