The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has underscored the critical importance of acquiring digital skills in order to thrive in the rapidly expanding digital landscape. This message was emphatically delivered during the DIGIVATION FUTURE SUMMIT, an event themed ‘Enabling Today’s Enterprise Building Tomorrow’s Economy’.
NCC’s Executive Chairman, Prof. Umar Danbatta, conveyed this imperative through his Keynote Address, delivered by the Commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Rueben Muoka. He particularly emphasized that Nigerians, especially the youth, must embrace digital education to harness the abundant opportunities offered by emerging technologies on a global scale.
He cited staggering statistics, stating, “According to section 23 Global Review reports, a whopping 91% of users access the internet via smartphones, a remarkable feat given that 64% of the global population is connected. This underscores the pivotal role smartphones, machines, data, and applications play in shaping the future business landscape.”
Highlighting the NCC’s concern for empowering individuals, organizations, and societies, Muoka emphasized, “Skills open the door to the latest technology, novel methods of conducting business, and innovative ways of learning. Our conviction lies in leveraging digital skills acquisition to harness the potential of innovation.”
He further explained how digital skills can fuel job creation, stating, “Digital skills offer the promise of generating employment opportunities for numerous Nigerians, thereby bolstering the broader digital economy agenda. Already, more than 2600 youths have reaped the benefits of NCC’s initiatives in this regard.”
Chinedu Obi, representing Liquid Intelligent Technologies, spotlighted critical challenges that necessitate unified efforts from the government and stakeholders. He underscored the importance of addressing issues surrounding infrastructure and manpower for Nigeria to effectively compete in the global technology arena. Obi commented, “As technology advances both globally and within Nigeria, our nation must proactively address infrastructure and human resource concerns to maintain competitiveness.”
The founder of DigiVation Network and organizer of the event, Dr. Bayero Agabi, explained the forum’s core mission. He stated that the primary aim was to elevate Nigeria’s technology ecosystem and enhance collaboration among stakeholders. The event successfully gathered luminaries from various sectors, including representatives from Gaxaxy Backbone, Medallion, and the Internet Society of Nigeria, among others.
The NCC’s call for digital skill acquisition serves as a rallying cry for Nigerians to equip themselves with the tools to navigate the evolving technological landscape. As the digital age continues to reshape industries and opportunities, the adoption of digital literacy holds the key to not only survival but also prosperity. In the pursuit of building a technology-driven tomorrow, collaboration and active engagement across all sectors will be pivotal in securing a competitive position on the global stage.
