A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Nigerian government and the world’s largest tech company, Microsoft Corporation, has been signed to train five million Nigerians on high-demand technology skills that will help them develop in their various careers.
Professor Isa Pantami, the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, thanked Microsoft for the offer as he signed the contract on behalf of Nigeria on the sidelines of the ongoing GITEX 2022 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
According to Prof. Pantami, the MOU implementation procedure would get started right away.
He said: “We are highly delighted with this offer of corporate social responsibility by the Microsoft Corporation.
“Though some of our agencies provide capacity building programmes for teeming citizens, this new offer by Microsoft will go a long in achieving our dream of Digital Nigeria.
“We value action once agreements are signed, we will ensure immediate commencement of the implementation.
“We will continue to provide enabling environment and ensure that our regulatory instruments are developmental and flexible for Microsoft and other businesses to flourish.”
Earlier, Ola Williams, Country Manager of Microsoft Nigeria, said: “Microsoft is willing to collaborate with Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy and jointly drive skill and employment initiatives in Nigeria by potentially building the capabilities and capacities of government organisations and enabling them to provide economic opportunities for the youth.”
Some of the components of MOU included: training of 1 million job seekers in most relevant digital skills for the job of today; 1700 Master trainers would be upskilled and 200,000 for certification as learners.
“At least 7000 jobs would be created through the initiative,” she said.
Two million Nigerians would gain access to free digital skills as part of the MOU’s African Transformational Skill Portal, which would improve their ability to conduct business, open up new job opportunities, and boost productivity.
200,000 Nigerians will have the chance to build profiles and find jobs with Microsoft partners and customers as a part of the Gebeya job platform.
The 30 Days of Data Platform program will engage and train at least 1000 learners in data and artificial intelligence.
On the other hand, 1000 developers under the Low Code Programe would be trained on no code skills through Microsoft-led skilling programs as part of the low Code October program.
In 30 days, the Microsoft Graph initiative will upskill another 100 adolescents in data and intelligence professional tasks.
Under the Global Power Platform Bootcamp, over 5500 developers would also learn how to use Microsoft’s Power Apps to create technological solutions.
In a 30-day learning program for students, 290 students will learn technical skills in the Microsoft technology stack, increasing their prospects of finding employment.
The MOU further says that the Azure Nigeria Community Conference will be attended by 5000 Nigerians.
As part of the agreement, 17,000 Master Trainers will receive training in basic and intermediate digital skills, and 27,000 youths will be connected to better job prospects.
