Tech4Dev, Microsoft collaborate to train 500,000 youths on digital skills

Tech4dev and Microsoft have partnered to train over 500,000 youths on digital skills through its Basic Digital Education Initiative (BDEI).

In a statement made available to BusinessDay, Joel Ogunsola, executive director, Tech4Dev, said that the initiative was an experimental learning program supported by Microsoft Nigeria to train young individuals in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions on foundational digital skills.

Ogunsola noted that the move had become imperative in order to equip young minds with the requisite skills for the 21st century.

“We are making ample investment in digital skills education over the decade through support from Microsoft Philanthropy to train the next generation of young individuals looking to be part of the fourth industrial revolution as well as adults who very much need the skills to fully benefit from new opportunities being presented by the fourth industrial revolution,” he said.

He noted that the initiative was a result of Tech4Dev and Microsoft’s mission to solve the world’s biggest problems through technology.

Also speaking during the training event, Akin Banuso, general manager, Microsoft Nigeria said, “In a world where digital skills are fundamental to success in so many environments, leaving people in the dark about this major part of their world amounts to an unacceptable gap in their education. We believe technology should be an equalising force in the world—inclusive, not divisive.”

“So, we are investing our greatest assets—our technology, grants, people, and voice—to advance a more equitable world where the benefits of technology are accessible to everyone,” Banuso said.

In his key note speech, Olusegun Mimiko, former governor of Ondo State encouraged the younger generation to join the advocacy and push for democratisation of education at all levels. He further advocated for more female participation in tech fields.

“It’s a time of intellectual domination. Women have begun to dominate, and they should get more involved,” Mimiko said.

“Nigerians have already missed out on the first second and third revolution. The fourth revolution has started and has begun to influence the way we live and relate with each other,” he said.

The BDEI will train 5,000 digital skill trainers who will in turn be empowered to train 500,000 youth on digital skills. The training would take place offline, and we would supply teaching aids to the educators who in turn are expected to carry out this training in schools and communities within their states.

The curriculum cuts across Introduction to computer, productivity tools and workplace essentials, big data and cloud technologies, cyber security and digital lifestyles.

Josephine Okojie