FG Launches Plan to Train 100 Million Nigerians in Digital Skills
The Federal Government has unveiled an ambitious initiative to train at least 100 million Nigerians in digital literacy, marking one of the largest digital skills programmes ever announced in the country.
The programme is aimed at boosting human capital development, workforce readiness, and national digital transformation, in line with Nigeria’s long-term economic and technology goals.
Partnership With Clergywealth Cooperative
The digital literacy drive will be implemented in partnership with Clergywealth Cooperative Society Limited, a humanitarian and empowerment-focused cooperative organisation.
The initiative was officially announced by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, during the inauguration of the Joint Implementation Committee (JIC) for the National Conference on Digital Literacy and the unveiling of the Clergywealth Digital Skills Nigeria Initiative.
Akume was represented at the event by Ibrahim Kana, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Office of the SGF.
Aligned With Nigeria’s Digital Transformation Agenda
According to Akume, the programme is designed to deepen digital literacy, strengthen human capital, and promote inclusive digital transformation across the country.
He noted that the initiative aligns with several national policy frameworks, including:
- The Federal Government’s Digital Transformation Agenda
- The National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy
- The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu
Future Proof Economy Model to Guide Implementation
The digital literacy programme will be implemented under the Future Proof Economy (FPE) Model, which was adopted as Nigeria’s official framework for digital literacy delivery at the 13th National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (NCCIDE) in December 2025.
The first phase of the initiative targets the training and certification of one million Nigerians, with subsequent phases expected to scale rapidly toward the 100-million target.
No Financial Burden on the Federal Government
Akume clarified that while the programme enjoys government policy support and institutional backing, it is fully sponsored and executed by Clergywealth Cooperative Society Limited.
“The Federal Government bears no financial obligation, budgetary provision, or funding responsibility for the programme,” he stated.
Programme Curriculum and Benefits
Mrs Rosemary Osikoya, Deputy National Coordinator for Administration and Public Communications at Clergywealth, said the programme will cover a wide range of competencies, including:
- Basic digital literacy
- Use of digital productivity tools
- Online safety and cybersecurity awareness
- Digital entrepreneurship
- Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence
Each training batch will last six months, featuring multiple learning modules. Participants who successfully complete the programme will receive internationally recognised certifications.
Osikoya added that beneficiaries will also be provided with laptop computers to support learning outcomes and post-training productivity.
Digital Literacy Conference and New Projects
She further announced that the Digital Literacy Academy and the Artisan Development Project will be officially launched during a two-day National Conference on Digital Literacy scheduled for January 28 and 29.
The conference is expected to raise national awareness about the importance of digital skills in economic growth, employment, and innovation.
Nigeria Expands Digital and AI Skills Push
The new initiative builds on a growing portfolio of Federal Government-backed digital skills programmes aimed at preparing Nigerians for the digital economy.
The government has also announced plans to train over 200,000 Nigerians in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, positioning the country as a potential leader in AI innovation across Africa.
Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, recently disclosed that more than 1.1 million residents of Enugu State are expected to benefit from digital skills training by 2027.
In addition, a landmark partnership with the United Arab Emirates aims to equip seven million Nigerian youths with advanced digital skills, entrepreneurial training, and international exposure.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s plan to train 100 million citizens in digital literacy represents a bold step toward building a future-ready workforce and accelerating national digital transformation. With strong policy alignment, private sector sponsorship, and a growing focus on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, the initiative underscores the government’s push to position Nigeria as a competitive digital economy in Africa and beyond.
