By Kamal Alao Ashimiyu

A recent survey conducted by GetBundi, an online education technology firm, has unveiled a startling reality: over 85% of Nigeria’s graduates lack essential digital skills. According to Mr. OsitaOparaugo, the CEO of GetBundi, this deficiency leaves more than 100 million young Nigerians ill-prepared to seize lucrative job opportunities demanding modern digital competencies.

Highlighting the survey’s findings, Oparaugoemphasized the alarming correlation between Nigeria’s high unemployment rate and the glaring digital skills gap. He cited a 2023 survey by GetBundi, which revealed that out of 100 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members assessed, a mere 19 possessed any semblance of digital proficiency. Shockingly, only seven had basic knowledge of programming, machine learning, or data science, and all had acquired these skills through education abroad.

Oparaugo underscored the pivotal role of digital literacy in today’s job market, lamenting the outdated curriculum prevalent in Nigerian tertiary institutions. He argued that this antiquated educational framework fails to equip students with practical digital competencies essential for employment and entrepreneurship.

While acknowledging government initiatives aimed at promoting digital literacy, Oparaugo stressed the imperative of a collaborative approach involving governmental bodies, educational institutions, private sector entities, and individuals. He proposed a multifaceted strategy to address the digital skills gap, including curriculum updates, digital literacy programs, public-private partnerships, and infrastructure development to enhance internet accessibility.

In response to the pressing need for digital skills enhancement, many innovative hubs in the country has developed STEM-related courses aligned with the West African School Certificate curriculum for secondary school students. Additionally, many of these platforms offers a diverse array of digital skills courses catering to individuals of all ages, facilitated by over hundred to thousand skilled instructors. With a commitment to providing accessible and impactful learning experiences, the innovative hubs aims to empower Nigerian youths with the requisite digital proficiencies to thrive in the modern economy.

As Nigeria navigates the challenges of the digital age, initiatives like those pioneered by many youths in the tech related educational platforms serve as vital catalysts in bridging the digital divide and fostering economic empowerment among its youth population.

It has been emphasized that the urgency of addressing the digital skills gap to ensure Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global arena. The HonourableMinister Bosun Tijani for example had also emphasized the transformative potential of equipping Nigerian youths with 21st-century job-ready skills, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economic growth and development.

Furthermore, The Honourable Minister’s innovative approach to digital skills acquisition, offering micro-sliced courses designed for impactful learning has been a noticeable development in Nigeria but more are still needed. Some of these courses from different online learning platforms cover a wide range of in-demand skills, including coding, artificial intelligence, graphics, video editing, and cyber security, among others. With the flexibility to learn remotely and achieve verified proficiency in less than six months, available innovative platform aims to empower individuals with practical skills essential for success in today’s digital-centric landscape.

In conclusion, it is very important that all arms of government and private investors to be active on their commitment to bridging the digital skills gap and nurturing a skilled workforce capable of thriving in the fourth industrial revolution. By providing accessible and comprehensive digital education solutions, innovative hubs are aims to catalyze Nigeria’s socio-economic transformation and position its youth for success in the digital age. As Nigeria charts its course in an increasingly digitized world, investments in digital skills development emerge as imperative pillars for sustainable growth and prosperity.

Kamal Alao Ashimiyu is a professional radiographer, good health advocate, and freelance writer and can be reached via kamalcazimi@gmail.com