NITDA Expand Digital Training Programme for One Milion Nigerians

Nigeria’s ongoing effort to build a digitally empowered population has recorded another milestone, as the National Information Technology Development Agency confirmed fresh gains under the NITDA digital training scheme. The agency revealed that more than one million Nigerians have now taken part in the initiative, including a new group of 320 women who completed the Women ICT. 

Training Empowerment Programme.

The latest graduation ceremony was held at the Presidential Villa, where the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, hosted participants and urged them to remain consistent as they enter the technology space. She told the beneficiaries that growth often begins quietly and encouraged them to apply the skills learned while inspiring others. “One day, somebody will notice your efforts,” she said.

The Women ICT Training Empowerment Programme is one of the flagship projects under the Renewed Hope Initiative, and it is designed to support digital inclusion and improve access to economic opportunities. According to the agency, the programme has grown steadily over the last three years. It started with 35 participants in 2023 before increasing to 252 in 2024 and rising again to 320 in 2025. This brings the total number of women trained to more than 600.

How NITDA Is Expanding Digital Access Nationwide

Officials said the recent results reflect the broader national strategy to deepen digital literacy across Nigeria. The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, explained that the agenda is aligned with the government’s push for economic diversification and human capital development. He noted that technology can only thrive when people possess the right skills, which led to the creation of the National Digital Literacy Framework. The plan targets 95 per cent digital literacy by 2030 and sets a mid-term goal of 70 per cent by 2027.

Inuwa disclosed that over 1,000,143 Nigerians have so far taken part in various forms of NITDA digital training, including 32,000 civil servants who have received digital literacy and related skills. He encouraged the latest graduates to return to their communities and mentor others, arguing that knowledge-sharing remains one of the most effective ways to strengthen digital growth. He also urged women in the programme to guide at least two or three others within their localities.

Participants at the event expressed appreciation for the training and explained that it equipped them with practical skills that can support their entry into Nigeria’s growing digital economy. Many described the programme as a turning point that has given them confidence to engage in new fields of work.

Why Digital Skills Still Matter for Nigeria

Nigeria has been working to improve digital literacy as more sectors adopt technology-driven processes. Government agencies, private organisations, and international partners have launched programmes aimed at closing the skills gap. Through these efforts, initiatives such as the NITDA digital training have become crucial for supporting job creation and preparing citizens for modern work environments.

Although the programme has reached more than one million people, authorities say the long-term goal is much broader. 

The First Lady announced that similar ICT initiatives will soon extend to the wives of executives, allowing more groups to benefit from digital upskilling. She also encouraged all zones of the country to take advantage of the coming opportunities as new batches are rolled out.