The Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) has partnered with U.S.-based SBTS Group LLC to train five million Nigerian youths and create 50,000 digital jobs by 2030, a strategic move aimed at bridging Nigeria’s digital skills gap and boosting employment.
According to DBI’s Head of Public Affairs, Akin Ogunlade, the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020-2030) and the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme under the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy. The official launch is scheduled to take place in Abuja later this month.
DBI’s President and CEO, Daser David, emphasized that Nigerian youths are at the heart of transforming the country into a global digital hub. He noted that the program will equip underserved youth with essential digital literacy and vocational skills, enabling them to thrive in the modern job market and contribute to inclusive economic growth.
A major component of the partnership is the establishment of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) centers across DBI campuses nationwide. These centers will create thousands of jobs in high-demand fields such as cybersecurity, software development, data analytics, and cloud computing.
SBTS Group CEO, Evelyn Lewis, highlighted the initiative’s impact, stating that, despite widespread concerns about youth unemployment, Nigeria has abundant opportunities in the digital sector. She expressed enthusiasm about working with DBI to equip Nigerian youths with globally relevant ICT skills, positioning them for success in the digital economy.
The initiative will integrate digital skills training into vocational education, establish on-the-job learning systems, and actively involve public and private sector employers in digital job creation. Training has already begun at DBI’s Enugu and Kano campuses, with plans to expand nationwide.
SBTS Group will provide both technical and financial support to ensure the program delivers industry-standard training, preparing participants for global job opportunities. The initiative will also promote youth-led digital entrepreneurship, equipping young Nigerians with the tools to build and scale their businesses in the digital space.
With over 400 new digital courses, hands-on training, and significant facility upgrades, the DBI-SBTS partnership aims to diversify Nigeria’s economy through ICT, drive digital entrepreneurship, and create sustainable employment opportunities for the next generation.
