Knowledge Exchange Centre (KEC) announced the launch of its latest Graduate Advancement Digital Skills Program, providing 100 young graduates across Nigeria with free, intensive training to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and employer demands in the digital age.
Oluwatosin Ogunsanya, Executive Secretary of KEC, emphasized the critical need for universities and institutions to embrace digital transformation: “Universities must adapt to prepare graduates for a technology-driven future. We urge them to adopt digital transformation plans to equip students with the essential skills employers seek.”
Addressing the 8th Orientation Ceremony of the program last week Friday, Ogunsanya stressed the urgency of addressing the digital skills gap: “Nigeria has 3 million youths needing digital skills training within the next five years. We call upon the government and private sector to support organizations like KEC working to bridge this gap through funding and other means. Training them for free for three months requires significant resources.”
The 100 program participants will undergo three months of intensive training, including:
- Eight weeks of social media marketing: Gaining expertise in content creation, community management, and campaign strategies.
- Six weeks of mentorship: Receiving guidance from 25 industry professionals across Nigeria and internationally.
- Three weeks of job readiness training: Mastering resume writing, interview skills, and personal branding techniques.
Beyond technical skills, the program focuses on developing soft skills:
- Problem-solving and critical thinking: Equipping graduates to independently tackle challenges and find solutions.
- Adaptability and curiosity: Preparing them to embrace new technologies and thrive in a dynamic work environment.
Ogunsanya concluded: “This program empowers graduates with the skills and confidence to excel in the digital economy. We are equipping them not just to get jobs, but to keep them and thrive in their careers.