FG, Microsoft to equip 5m Nigerians with digital skills

The federal government and Microsoft Corporation on Monday announced a partnership that will benefit about five million Nigerians from a digital upskilling programme in three years.

The partnership anchored on connectivity, skilling and digital transformation followed discussions between both parties led by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Microsoft President Brad Smith earlier in the year.

Under the programme, locations in each of the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria will also enjoy active internet connection and cloud services courtesy of this digital transformation plan.

Speaking in a formal video announcement of the partnership with the tech giant, Prof. Osinbajo said the constructive partnerships will bridge the knowledge, skills and technology gap that exist in most of our communities.

“We intend that these initiatives become institutions in their own rights and make a real impact in the lives of our citizens going forward.”

The Vice President said while using digital tools under the project, “we will pioneer innovative approaches in the fight against corruption, a major priority of this administration.

“We will seek to use cutting edge analytical and case management tools to plug holes in our public sector system as well as confront white-collar criminality efficiently.”

President of Microsoft Corporation, Mr Brad Smith said that “we believe in the future of Nigeria and we are excited as a company to add to our investments. It is a country we have had the opportunity to get to know better over the last few years.”

The initiative is also in line with the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP).