The Nigerian Government has launched the Digital Bridge Institute DBI global certificate licensing programme.The launch which took place at the DBI Lagos Campus, South west Nigeria on Tuesday, is seen as a significant step towards addressing Nigeria’s growing digital skills gap.
The programme themed; “Empowering Talent, Certifying Excellence, Transforming Industries,” is designed to equip individuals and organisations with the skills and certifications needed to thrive in the digital economy.
Stressing the importance of the initiative, President and CEO of DBI, David Daser said “this programme marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s drive to equip its citizens with the necessary digital skills to succeed in the modern economy.
“The programmed will not only offer high-quality training but also open new doors for collaboration and growth within the technology sector.
“We are here today to create pathways for growth, empower individuals, and position Nigeria as a leader in the global digital space.
“DBI, which is wholly owned by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has long been at the forefront of ICT education in Nigeria,”he said.
According to him, the institute is licensed by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and maintains partnerships with some of the world’s leading tech organisations, including Cisco, Microsoft, and Huawei.
These affiliations he said, enable DBI to deliver top-tier ICT training and certifications that are globally recognised.
“Our partnerships allow us to provide internationally acknowledged certifications, ensuring that the skills acquired here meet global standards,” saying that Nigeria is currently facing a significant digital skills gap, particularly among its youth.
According to a UNICEF report, only 7 of Nigerians aged 15-24 have marketable ICT skills, leaving a vast majority underprepared for the demands of the digital economy.
Mr Dasar also quoted a 2020 report by Palladium Group which revealed that over 50% of Nigerian youth are either underemployed or unemployed due to a disconnect between their education and the skills needed in the job market emphasising the importance of addressing the issue through the DBI Certificate Licensing Programme.
“The gap between the skills our youth possess and what is required by the job, market must be closed. This programme is designed to provide access to industry-recognised training that will boost employability and help fill the growing gap in the ICT sector.”
He said that the programme, officially known as the Global Certification and Training Partnership Programme (GTP/GCP), was developed through extensive collaboration with industry experts, academia, and government bodies.
Mr Daser expressed the hope that the initiative would see DBI license its training programmes to qualified institutions and trainers across Nigeria, enabling them to deliver DBI’s curriculum to learners nationwide.
“This is an important step in democratising access to ICT education, particularly in underserved regions. We are not just bringing training to Lagos but to every corner of Nigeria,”he explained.
The DBI Certificate Licensing Programme is aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which prioritises economic growth, youth development, and job creation.
“This initiative supports President Tinubu’s vision of preparing Nigeria’s youth for the high-demand jobs in the technology sector, enhancing their employability and driving economic growth.
“This is not just about providing training but also about contributing to the broader national goals of job creation and economic diversification,”he stated.
Reports also shows that the Global Certificate Licensing programme further aligns with the strategic objectives of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, particularly its 2023-2027 plan to strengthen Nigeria’s knowledge economy and digital infrastructure.
The President of the DBI said that “Through this initiative, DBI is contributing to Nigeria’s ambition to establish a skilled workforce capable of competing on the global stage.
“I call on educational institutions, trainers, and private sector organisations to join us in shaping the future of Nigeria’s digital landscape.”
He also encouraged the media to spread the word about the programme, which he believes has the potential to make a lasting impact on Nigeria’s economy and workforce.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Dr Bosun Tijani and the Executive Vice Chairman Nigeria Communications Commission NCC Dr Aliyu Maida, described the programme as a step in the right direction for Nigeria saying It will ensure that Nigerian youth are not left behind in the digital age.
According to the Minister, with the launch of the DBI Certificate Licensing Programme, Nigeria is poised to make a bold leap toward bridging its digital skills gap and preparing its workforce for the future.
“The programme promises to equip individuals with globally recognised certifications and the skills needed to excel in the ICT sector.
“This initiative is not just about training, it is about creating opportunities, fostering innovation, and building a stronger, more competitive Nigeria.
“By empowering individuals with the necessary digital skills, the DBI Certificate Licensing Programme aims to play a key role in job creation, innovation, and economic development across Nigeria.
“The launch marks a significant step toward transforming Nigeria into a global leader in ICT, positioning the country to meet the demands of the ever-evolving digital economy”, the Minister said.
Dr. Niran Oyekale, Chairman of Commit Technology and Consult Ltd, highlighted the global skills gap and urged Nigeria to act swiftly.
He stressed the need for Nigeria to lead in digital skills training, citing a potential shortfall of 85 million skilled workers worth $8.5 trillion.
Oyekale emphasised Nigeria’s youthful population could bridge this gap but must be equipped with necessary skills.
Oyekale noted that future jobs demand skills over traditional degrees.
He stated that “digital literacy is the minimum requirement for employment in today’s digital economy,” yet no Nigerian higher education institutions are graduating future leaders with essential skills.
The Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), established in 2004 as the training arm of the NCC and it aims to address this through ICT/Digital training.
