The Lagos State Government, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has launched a comprehensive digital training program for 3000 civil servants.
Set to empower the state’s workforce and fuel the digital aspirations of Nigerian youth, the Lagos digital training, focused on digital literacy, aims to bridge the digital skills gap and provide government employees with the tools they need to excel in their roles and contribute meaningfully to the development of Lagos and Nigeria as a whole.
Reports indicate that only 23% of Nigerians aged 16-64 are proficient in digital literacy. The International Labour Organization estimates that over 85 million jobs worldwide will be displaced by automation between now and 2025, highlighting the increasing demand for digital skills across all sectors. Hence, the inevitability of the State’s new initiative.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the program, held at the Public Service Staff Development Centre, Magodo, the Honourable Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo, stressed the government’s dedication to ensuring that civil servants are not just participants in the digital revolution, but leaders.
He mentioned the key role digital skills play in scaling the growing dynamic world stating, “The need for Civil Servants to be proficient in the realm of digital technology is not just a necessity but a strategic imperative.”
This initiative aligns with the THEMES Plus Agenda, Governor Sanwo-Olu’s blueprint for accelerating development across various sectors. In preparing public servants with digital skills, the government aims to improve service delivery, enhance productivity, and promote a culture of innovation within its administrative machinery. This, in turn, will have a good impact on various aspects of life in Lagos, creating a more efficient and responsive government that caters to the needs of its citizens.
The training program’s focus on digital literacy also holds huge importance for Nigerian youth, who represent a considerable portion of the state’s population and the driving force behind the nation’s future. Equipping current government employees with these skills is making way for further integration of digital literacy into future education and training programs. This, in turn, will empower young Nigerians to actively participate in the digital economy and contribute to the nation’s technological advancement.
The Lagos State Government has partnered with UK-AID, the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office, and Tech4Dev to carry out this commendable training program. The initial training program, held in 10 batches of 300 participants each, is a good step forward.
However, it is essential to note that this is just the beginning. Continued investment in digital skills training across all levels of government and education, coupled with private sector involvement, is vital to ensure that Nigeria capitalises on the huge potential of its digital.
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