NITDA, NYSC Deepen Digital Skills Partnership, Plan Training Institute for Corps Members

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have intensified efforts to expand digital literacy across Nigeria through a proposed training institute that will equip corps members with industry-relevant digital skills.

The collaboration was discussed during a working visit by an NYSC delegation to NITDA’s headquarters in Abuja, where both organisations explored strategies to deepen digital literacy programmes, strengthen institutional partnerships and support Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.

Speaking on behalf of NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, the Director of the Special Duties Unit described the NYSC as a strategic partner capable of accelerating digital inclusion due to its nationwide presence and grassroots engagement.

He said NITDA is expanding access to digital skills through innovation hubs, digital learning centres and online platforms that cater to learners with different levels of experience.

According to him, the agency is also collaborating with education stakeholders to integrate digital literacy into school curricula from the foundational level, ensuring that young Nigerians acquire essential digital competencies early in life.

The NITDA representative further disclosed that partnerships with global technology firms, including Cisco, have enabled Nigerians to obtain internationally recognised certifications in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, while a blended learning model continues to improve access to training opportunities.

Speaking during the visit, NYSC Community Development Service representative, Stella Owan, said the proposed institute is intended to leverage NITDA’s technical expertise in developing a sustainable digital training framework.

She explained that the institute would award certificates and provide training for corps members, NYSC personnel, youth organisations and host communities through a hybrid learning model combining physical and virtual instruction.

Owan noted that the NYSC has continued to evolve as a youth empowerment platform through initiatives such as the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme and community development projects.

She added that the proposed institute would place greater emphasis on practical digital and entrepreneurial skills aimed at enhancing employability, fostering innovation and promoting self-reliance among young Nigerians.