Shettima Flags Off Massive Training for 10 Million Nigerians to Drive Digital Economy
In a major move to future-proof Nigeria’s workforce, Vice President Kashim Shettima has officially flagged off a free nationwide training program targeting 10 million Nigerians. The initiative, launched on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday, February 2, 2026, aims to equip citizens specifically women and youths with essential digital skills and financial literacy.
Speaking at the State House in Abuja, the Vice President described the program as a "strategic national investment" designed to ensure the country’s demographic dividend translates into actual economic growth.
Bridging the Skills Gap in the Digital Age
The training program is being implemented by the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI). It focuses on several key pillars:
- Digital Competencies: Preparing Nigerians for the rapidly evolving tech-driven job market.
- Financial Literacy: Providing essential knowledge on investment, credit, and wealth creation.
- Enterprise Skills: Strengthening the workforce for small and medium-scale businesses.
"Nigeria cannot build a one-trillion-dollar economy on weak skills or disconnected professional ecosystems," Shettima noted during the ceremony.
The Power of Partnerships
To ensure the program's success and high professional standards, the Office of the Vice President signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with six leading professional bodies:
- ICAN (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria)
- CIBN (Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria)
- CIS (Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers)
- NICA (National Institute of Credit Administration)
- CRMI (Chartered Risk Management Institute)
- NIIE (Nigeria Institute of Innovation and Enterprise)
These organizations will collaborate to develop a standardized curriculum, certification pathways, and mentorship platforms for the millions of participants.
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Focus on Women and Youth
The Vice President emphasized that the program deliberately prioritizes women and young people, recognizing that they are the engine of Nigeria's digital transformation. By equipping 10 million people with these tools, the government hopes to lift millions out of poverty and integrate them into the formal financial system.
This launch comes at a critical time when statistics suggest over 100 million young Nigerians still lack basic digital skills, a hurdle the "Renewed Hope" agenda is determined to overcome.
Stay updated with all the latest developments on this nationwide training program and other national news on Naija Rave.
