The Federal Government has partnered with Coursera to launch the Digital Training Academy (DTA), a new initiative aimed at equipping Nigerian youths with globally competitive digital and technology skills.
The partnership was announced on the sidelines of the 2026 Education World Forum in London, where the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the programme as a major step toward preparing young Nigerians for opportunities in the global digital economy.
According to the minister, the academy will provide training in high-demand fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Software Engineering, and other emerging digital disciplines.
Participants in the programme are also expected to earn globally recognised certifications that are valued by employers across different industries around the world.
Alausa said the Federal Government has fully funded 36,000 training licences across Coursera and Pluralsight in the first year of the programme to ensure that financial limitations do not prevent Nigerian youths from accessing quality digital education.
He described the initiative as one of the largest government-funded investments in digital skills development in Nigeria’s history, adding that it aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
The minister explained that the programme would be implemented in partnership with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) to guarantee wider access and industry-focused mentorship for participants nationwide.
He noted that the collaboration combines academic support with practical digital training, helping participants gain skills that are relevant in today’s technology-driven labour market.
Alausa stressed that digital competency has become essential in modern economies, saying the government is committed to building a generation of Nigerians capable of competing and leading in the global technology space.
He also expressed appreciation to Coursera, NOUN, and YABATECH for supporting the initiative and partnering with the government to expand digital learning opportunities for Nigerian youths.
