The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has inaugurated its Centre of Excellence in Abuja, aimed at enhancing the technical and vocational skills of Nigerians to support the digital economy.
During the launch event, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, underscored the significance of collaboration to make this initiative a continental milestone. “My expectation is that NCC will collaborate with more stakeholders to make this initiative a true centre of excellence for Africa. There is no society in the world that can prosper without connectivity. The connectivity requires humans for its proper functioning,” he stated.
Enhancing Technical Skills
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, highlighted the unique opportunities this center provides for Nigerian radio engineers. “This is the first time in Nigeria when our radio engineers will have the opportunity to come and touch and feel what a radio looks like,” he said. Dr. Maida also emphasized the potential innovations that the 5G era and newly acquired skills would bring through the Centre. “We would actually see a lot of innovations through this Centre,” he added.
Bridging the Skills Gap
The Centre of Excellence is designed to offer hands-on experience and advanced training, focusing particularly on skills required for the digital economy. This initiative aims to bridge the skills gap and enhance the capabilities of Nigeria’s workforce in the tech sector. The Centre is expected to be a catalyst for innovation and development, especially in the context of 5G technology, which promises to boost various industries.
Driving Local Talent
By providing state-of-the-art training facilities and opportunities for practical experience, the Centre aims to ensure that Nigeria remains competitive in the global digital space. The initiative has garnered widespread support, with stakeholders expressing confidence in its potential to drive significant advancements in Nigeria’s tech industry.
The launch of the Centre of Excellence is a major step towards empowering Nigerians with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy, reinforcing the country’s position as a leader in technological innovation and connectivity in Africa.
