The Lagos State Government has commenced a five day digital skills training programme aimed at equipping young people in Badagry and Ikorodu with practical skills needed to compete in an increasingly technology driven economy. The programme, implemented by the Ministry of Tertiary Education, is providing participants with training in Artificial Intelligence, information technology, entrepreneurship and emotional intelligence as part of efforts to strengthen youth employability and self reliance.
The training, which began on Monday, is being held at the Badagry Division Iba ICT Centre in Iba Town and the Homat School of Basic Studies CBT Centre in Igbogbo, Ikorodu, and is scheduled to run until September 11. The state government said the programme was designed to combine digital literacy with business and professional skills, giving participants practical knowledge that can be applied to employment, entrepreneurship and other opportunities in the digital economy.
Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, said the initiative was targeted at improving the competitiveness of young people in a changing labour market. Speaking during an engagement with facilitators, coordinators, ministry officials and participants in Ikeja, Sule stressed the importance of equipping youths with relevant skills as technology continues to reshape the nature of work and create new employment opportunities.
Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Adeniran Kasali, said sustained investment in digital education was necessary to develop a workforce capable of competing in a technology driven economy. He urged the participants to translate the skills acquired into employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, while encouraging other eligible youths in Badagry and Ikorodu to take advantage of the free programme.