By Joy Onuorah
Fifty young, unemployed Nigerians just took a bold leap into the future and they didn’t go alone.
Thanks to the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative, these ambitious participants completed an intense four-week bootcamp packed with hands-on training in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and IT Essentials.
The programme, held at NITDA’s South West Zonal Office in Victoria Island, Lagos, is a game-changing collaboration between the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Cisco.
From Learners to Digital Leaders
At the closing ceremony, Mrs. Chioma Okee-Agugwo, Head of the South West Zonal Office, spoke on behalf of NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa. She didn’t mince words about the impact.
“This is not just a closing ceremony. It is the launchpad for new journeys anchored in digital knowledge and powered by innovation,” she said.
And truly, that’s what DL4ALL is all about; empowering young Nigerians to not only survive but lead in a digital-first world.
Building a Digitally Inclusive Nigeria
According to Inuwa, the initiative is aligned with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), focusing on Digital Literacy, Emerging Technologies, and Youth Empowerment.
It also complements President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes digital skills and innovation as key to national development.
But this is more than just talk.
Inuwa explained how DL4ALL fits into Nigeria’s bold goal to reach 70% digital literacy by 2027, as set by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.
“They are no longer just consumers of technology. They are creators, innovators, and future employers,” Inuwa said, emphasizing the broader mission to turn Nigeria’s youth into global tech players.
Real Skills. Real Impact.
This wasn’t your average bootcamp.
Participants dove into hands-on projects designed to sharpen both technical and leadership skills.
They learned to think critically, solve real-world problems, and build scalable tech solutions. By the end, they weren’t just trained, they were transformed.
“This is only the beginning. Through our zonal strategy, we are bringing innovation closer to local communities. This is how we democratise access and unlock Nigeria’s full digital potential,” Inuwa said.
He praised Cisco for delivering high-impact training and called on more partners to invest in platforms that promote digital inclusion across Nigeria.
The Future Just Got Brighter
By the end of the programme, participants showcased their learning through impressive presentations that blended data science, AI, and IT skills. Their energy was contagious and so was their ambition.
Many spoke of how the experience not only boosted their confidence but also sparked a vision to create jobs, solve problems, and drive tech innovation in their communities.
“The newly certified participants are now equipped to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s digital economy armed with the skills to build solutions, secure infrastructure, and launch tech ventures,” Inuwa added.
Nigeria’s future lies in its youth and with initiatives like DL4ALL, that future is starting to look a lot more digital, innovative, and inclusive.
