The Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, in collaboration with Mac Tay Consulting Ltd, is preparing to launch a specialized ICT training program aimed at 200 youths from five divisions of Lagos State: Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Epe, Ikorodu, and Ikeja.
According to a press release from the ministry, this initiative aims to address the digital skills gap and improve employability within the state, focusing specifically on Data Science and Full Stack Web Development.
During a recent press conference held at the Secretariat in Alausa, Hon. Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, outlined the program's objectives. “Our aim is to bridge the digital skills gap and enhance job opportunities for young people in Lagos,” Ajigbotafe stated.
The program will span four months, running from October 2024 to January 2025, with sessions scheduled three times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Ajigbotafe also highlighted the practical advantages of the training.
“Participants will acquire hands-on experience and will be awarded globally recognized certifications, including the Information Technology Specialist – Data Analyst and Adobe Certified Professional – Web Authoring using Adobe Dreamweaver,” he noted.
He further mentioned that this initiative is a vital part of Lagos State’s comprehensive vision under the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
Recent trends in Google searches indicate a significant increase in interest in artificial intelligence (AI) within Nigeria, ranking the nation sixth in Africa and 25th worldwide for AI-related queries. This year, AI searches have surged by 130% compared to the previous year, underscoring the escalating need for advanced digital competencies in the country.
Furthermore, there has been an astonishing rise of over 5,000% in searches for AI tools related to creating logos, CVs, websites, flyers, and presentations since last year, demonstrating a national shift towards leveraging technology for professional growth and innovation.
According to Coursera, 76% of learners in Nigeria are now utilizing mobile devices to access courses, indicating a strong preference for flexible and accessible learning options.
In light of this skills gap, the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy initiated the 3 Million Technical Training programme (3MTT) last year. This ambitious project aims to provide essential technical skills to three million Nigerians over the next three years, in response to the increasing demand for expertise in digital and AI sectors.