The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a new partnership with online learning platforms, Coursera and Pluralsight, to train 36,000 young people in digital skills under a programme called the Digital Training Academy.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the initiative on Thursday after meetings held during the Education World Forum 2026 in London.
The Federal Government said it would fully fund 36,000 training licences in the programme’s first year, removing the cost barrier for participants.
Training will cover Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing and Software Engineering, while successful participants will earn certifications recognised by employers globally.
Alausa described the programme as one of the biggest government-backed digital skills investments in the country.
“On the sidelines of the Education World Forum 2026 in London, I signed a landmark partnership with @coursera to launch the Digital Training Academy (DTA), a major initiative designed to equip Nigerian youths with globally competitive digital skills.”
He added: “Through this programme, young Nigerians will receive world-class training in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Software Engineering and other high-demand digital fields, while earning globally recognised certifications valued by employers across the world.”
The minister said the programme supports President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places attention on youth development, innovation and workforce readiness.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda recognises that digital competency is no longer optional. It is foundational,” Alausa said.
“The Digital Training Academy is a direct investment in helping young Nigerians compete and lead in the global digital economy.”
According to the Ministry of Education, the programme will run in partnership with National Open University of Nigeria and Yaba College of Technology.
The government said NOUN would use its nationwide structure to give students across the country access to the programme, while YABATECH would provide technical support, facilitators and industry-focused mentorship.
“Access to training alone is not enough. What truly changes lives is completion, support and accountability,” Alausa stated.
Officials say the academy forms part of reforms introduced by the government to improve technical and vocational education.
In 2025, the Federal Government revised the Technical and Vocational Education Training curriculum, increasing the focus on practical learning with an 80:20 ratio in favour of hands-on training.
Nigeria also signed an agreement with China last year to strengthen vocational education through technical partnerships and practical training support.
The new academy arrives as demand for digital and AI-related skills increases globally. It also comes at a time when Nigeria faces high youth unemployment and underemployment, pushing more young people to seek technology-related careers and remote work opportunities.
