Zamfara State has signed a landmark deal with tech giant Oracle, aiming to equip its youth with world-class digital skills through Oracle University’s Skills Development Initiative (SDI). The agreement, finalised on 29 April 2025 at Oracle’s UK office in London, is part of a broader strategy to position Zamfara as a beacon of innovation in northern Nigeria.
The signing ceremony featured a delegation led by Governor Dauda Lawal, alongside the Secretary to the State Government, top aides, and ZITDA’s Executive Secretary. Representing Oracle was Siobhan Wilson, Senior Vice President for EMEA and Oracle UK Country Leader.
According to a statement from Governor Lawal’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the partnership will drive collaboration between Oracle and the Zamfara Information Technology Development Agency (ZITDA). The focus is clear: to provide Zamfara’s students and workforce with free access to high-demand tech education in areas like Cloud, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Application Development.
A Leap Toward Digital Inclusion
Oracle’s dual-pronged approach includes deploying both Oracle Academy and Oracle University platforms. While Oracle Academy will support educators and students through curriculum integration and software tools, Oracle University’s SDI will offer over 200 hours of professional-level training and certification — all at no cost to eligible learners.
“The collaboration signifies a commitment to education and a strategic investment in the future of Zamfara’s youth, workforce, and digital economy,” the statement noted.
Through a co-branded learning portal developed in partnership with ZITDA, the initiative is expected to provide foundational courses and globally recognised certifications. These resources will be accessible to verified higher institutions across Zamfara, with ZITDA leading implementation efforts.
In his address, Governor Lawal expressed gratitude to Oracle for backing Zamfara’s vision. He highlighted the impact this digital transformation will have on the lives of young people in the state.
“What we are doing today goes beyond technology — it is about giving hope, creating opportunities, and unlocking the future,” he said.“By investing in digital education and innovation, we are offering real alternatives to poverty, to joblessness, and to despair.”
The governor added that the initiative would give every child in Zamfara the chance to succeed in a fast-changing digital world.
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