Introduction

As a citizen of Nigeria, you have the right to life, education and other inalienable privileges. Some of which have been provided by different Government initiatives over the years.

Free quality training is soothing. Knowing you don’t have to pay a dime and benefit from a government-sponsored scheme gives you some happiness. It’s meant to be that way right? In street parlance, u dey enjoy government benefit.

So, the Nigerian Government through the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and other ministries has shown unflinching support for the Nigerian youths, through digital skills acquisition, entrepreneurship programs, career development, and direct employment through various initiatives.

We will explore some of the Free Digital Skills Programs made available by the Nigerian Government in this article. But first, let’s understand the meaning of digital skills.

What does a Digital Skill mean?

Digital skill is defined as the ability to create, find, evaluate, use, and share content using digital devices, such as computers and smartphones.

What are the benefits of having digital skills in 2024 & beyond?

The world is embracing technology every day. You need to be equipped with digital skills and increase your relevance by using technology to enhance productivity in your work, learning, and daily life.

Free Digital Skills Training Programs Made Available by the Nigerian Government

1. Digital Skills Nigeria

Digital Skills Nigeria is another functional scheme launched by the Nigerian Government on the 19th of March, 2020.

The aim is to make it one of the Federal Government’s key initiatives that will empower innovators and entrepreneurs with skills.

The Digital Skills Nigeria program is a critical component of the Digital Literacy and Skills Pillar of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) for a Digital Nigeria.

The Digital Skills Nigeria program is powered by the Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy.

Training Areas

The areas you will be trained are:

1. Basic Digital Skills
2. Intermediate Digital Skills
3. Advanced Digital Skills And Certifications
4. Entrepreneurial Skills
5. Soft Skills

Let’s dive deeper into the areas and understand some of the specific skills and areas you will be trained in.

1. Basic Digital Skills. In this module you will learn how to:

• Work with Computers
• Access Information Online
• Communicate-online
• Participate Safely and Responsibly Online
• Create Digital Content
• Collaborate and Manage Content Digitally
• Understand Digital Literacy Test
• Use Microsoft Office 365
• Use Microsoft Outlook
• Use Microsoft SharePoint
• Use Microsoft Teams
• Use Microsoft Word
• Use Microsoft PowerPoint
• Use Microsoft Excel

2. Intermediate Digital Skills

In this module, you will learn the following:

• Dev Ops Practices Principles
• HTML5 and CSS3 Fundamentals Development for Absolute Beginners
• Introduction To Data Science
• JavaScript Fundamentals For Absolute Beginners
• Software Development Fundamentals

3. Advanced Digital Skills and Certifications – In this module, you will learn:

• Data Series Analytics Big Data Hadoop On HDInsight
• Designing and Implementing DevOps Solution (AZ-400)
• HTML5 Application Development
• HTML5 Development Fundamentals
• Imagine Cup Jr.
• Microsoft 365 Security Administration (MS-500)
• Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104)
• Microsoft Azure Data Scientist (DP-100)
• Microsoft Azure Security Engineer (AZ-500)
• Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst (PL-300)
• Networking Fundamentals
• Security
• Software Development Fundamentals
• Windows Operating System Fundamentals

4. Entrepreneurial Skills – In this module, you will learn skills on:

• Build Your Business
• Creating Your Business
• Exploring the Market
• Financial Risk and Goals
• Developing Something to Sell
• Researching the Market
• Making the Sale
• Reaching the potential customer
• Managing Your Business
• Managing Your Finance
• Developing my Workforce
• Financing my Business
• Planning For The Unexpected
• Expanding Your Business

5. Soft Skills – In this module, you will learn:

• How to find your dream job
• How to write great resumes

Benefits

You will receive certificates upon the completion of the training. Another perk of Digital Skills Nigeria is its provision to upskill you in Office 365 in the three major languages – Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba.

How to apply

It is an available learning platform. You can visit the official website to start your learning now.

2. N-Power Tech

This is a category of the N-Power scheme of the Federal Government of Nigeria, aimed at training and empowering Nigerian youths with digital skills such as software development, hardware repairs and maintenance, and creative animation.

The N-Power Tech is categorized into two types, there is N-Tech Software and N-Tech Hardware.

a. The N-Tech Software Developers program will train you in hands-on web and web application development for the local and international software development market.

b. N-Power Tech Hardware is a skills acquisition program that targets the training and development of beneficiaries as communication device technicians.

These skills and capacities training include diagnostics, assembly, and repair of communication devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, laptops, and tablets.

Benefits

Beneficiaries will receive N10,000 monthly stipend payment. But look on the bright side, this amount is nothing compared to what a basic software developer earns as an average monthly salary in Nigeria.

How To Apply

You can visit the N-Power website for more information on how to apply.

3. Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy (FMCDE) Digital Job Creation Program

The Digital job creation program is an online program simply aimed at equipping Nigerian Youths with the technical and social skills needed to compete for global relevance.

Training Areas

These are the skills you will learn through the program:

(i) Digital Literacy

(ii) Digital Entrepreneurship

(iii) Social Media Marketing

(iv) E-Commerce

(v) Emerging Technologies

How to Apply

The FCMDE LMS is an available learning platform. You can visit the official website to begin your learning.

4. FMYSD Digital Youth Nigeria Programme

The Digital Youth Nigeria program is an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, designed to upskill 1,600 eligible Nigerian youths across the six geopolitical zones.

Training Areas

The areas you will be trained are:

1. Business Process Outsourcing
2. Animation/Graphics
3. Software and Coding and;
4. Internet of Things/IT Hardware

Let’s dive deeper into the areas and understand some of the specific skills you will be trained on.

1. Business Process Outsourcing

• Business Process Outsourcing
• Overview Business Process Outsourcing Opportunities Globally
• Data Entry / Imaging
• Customer Service, Support, and Sales
• Website SEO and Content Generation
• Setting up a Call Center
• Review (Focus Driven based on Service Areas Chosen by Participants)

2. Animation / Graphics

• Introduction to Graphics Design
• Theory of Layout and Design
• Principles of Animation
• Understanding Body Mechanics and Pantomiming
• 3D Modeling and Animations
• Entrepreneurship

3. Software and Coding

4. Internet of Things/IT Hardware

• Introduction to the Internet of Things
• Internet Technology & Architecture of IoT
• Networking Essentials
• Networking Devices
• Common Elements of IoT
• Networking and Connectivity medium
• IoT Connections, Technology & Protocols
• Sensors and Actuators
• Data Transmission Standard
• Drivers and Inhibitors of IoT
• Machine-to-Machine/Userless Communication
• Internet of Things Project Prototyping
• Common Use Cases of IoT for Nigeria.
  • IoT for Agriculture
  • IoT for Home Automation
  • IoT for Energy and Utility
  • IoT for Healthcare
  • IoT for the Creative Media Industry

Eligibility Criteria

You must meet certain requirements to qualify as a successful applicant. Some of these are:

• You must be a Nigerian citizen between the ages of 18 to 35 years.
• You must possess a valid government-issued means of identification (NIN, International Passport, or Voters Card)
• You must be willing to travel across the country to designated training centers (for practical sessions) if selected
• You must have the minimum level of education required which is O’Level (WASSCE/NECO/NABTEB)

Benefits

Starter packs in software and hardware will be provided to you after your training has been completed.

How To Apply

You can visit the official website and their social media platforms to stay updated on the 2024 opening.

Conclusion

For the websites that are not currently accepting applications, you can follow their social media platforms to stay updated, subscribe to their newsletter or join the MSME Africa community to receive opportunities as soon as they are opened.