As CISCO in partnership with Dominion University hosts the 2024 CISCO African Academy Safari conference, Nigerians have been urged to join the ongoing digital revolution and mainstream their expertise into the knowledge economy.
This was the major discussion at the conference calling for major digital transformation catalysts such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning, Blockchain, Data Science, Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G Technology are drive capacity building and skills development for the digital future.
Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, NITDA DG, stated this in a keynote address during the 2024 Cisco African Academy Safari Conference for English-speaking West and Central Africa, held at Dominion University, Ibadan, Oyo state, with the theme ‘The future of work’.
The NITDA boss congratulated Cisco’s progress and impact in cross-cutting across multiple sectors of the economy, bringing together industry key players in the IT sector, regulators, academia, professionals, and students from all over the English-speaking West and Central Africa, to update their knowledge and skills, network, and share experiences, challenges, and aspirations.
He said, “Our world has changed over the last decade or two to become what is popularly known as a global village. Indeed, you may be aware that Digital Literacy and Skills is the second pillar of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, and the first pillar in NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2024 – 2027.
“Nigeria like most other African countries has a massive and vibrant youth population. Almost 60% of the country’s population is under 25 years of age. The World Bank, in a recent report, states that 74 per cent of global growth of the youth population aged 18–23 will be majorly in Nigeria and nine other countries from 2015 to 2035.
“Therefore, for us, skills development is a top national priority and must be accelerated to capture them young. Partnering with industry stakeholders such as Cisco presents us with the perfect opportunity to deliver professional courses and learning programs to complement the theoretical concepts that students learn in higher institutions of learning.
“This provides them with tangible hands-on skills and technical know-how that is required to flourish in the workplace and industry. Through NITDA’s partnership with Cisco, tens of thousands of Nigerians have been trained over the last 3-4 years alone, ranging from students, people working in government, members of the business community, teachers, women groups, journalists, and members of the civil society, to name a few.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of His Excellency President Bola Ahmad Tinubu is championing a paradigm shift in the country, leveraging on technology to give preference and priority to proven skills over paper qualifications, particularly digital skills. In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy and its parastatals have rolled out several capacity-building programs at the forefront of which is the 3MTT program and NDLF implementation.
“The 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, a critical part of the Renewed Hope agenda, is aimed at building Nigeria’s technical talent backbone to power our digital economy and position Nigeria as a net talent exporter. 3MTT program is a game-changer for aspiring tech professionals. Its mission is to cultivate a vast pool of highly skilled tech talent capable of driving economic growth and establishing Nigeria as a leading voice in the global tech scene.
“The National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF) aims to ensure that at least 70% of youths and adults in Nigeria are digitally literate by 2027, and at least 95% by 2030. Digital Literacy, as defined by NDLF, means having the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to use digital technologies safely and competently.
“Learning is an ongoing process throughout our lives. Continuous professional development is key in ensuring that our skills are up to date.
On his part, General Manager of CISCO, Sebastine Nzeadibe appreciated the collaboration of the Federal Government to accelerate national digitization.
He lauded Cisco’s investment in Nigeria’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) Programme, saying, “CDA is a strategic partnership with national leadership to accelerate the national digitization agenda and create new value for the country, its businesses and its citizens.
“As our Cisco goal, we transform the lives of learners, educators and communities through the power of technology, education and career opportunities to create an inclusive future for all.
The Vice-Chancellor, Dominion University, Ibadan, Prof. Abel O. Olorunnisola also acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of Cisco in organising the annual event.
He stated, “The Cisco Academy Safari is an annual event held in Africa for Academy instructors and that every year, over 1500+ instructors across Africa attend the annual event. It is an event for delegates from West and Central Africa (English-speaking countries).
“Indeed, “The future of work’ refers to an informed perspective on what businesses and other organizations need to know about how work could shift (given digitization and other trends), plus how workforces and workplaces can prepare for those changes, big and small.
“Business organisations of the future have much to contend with from coming to terms with remote working to the rapid rise of new digital technologies. Organisations must adapt and innovate to stay ahead. Following the 2019 COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen technology innovations and investments ramp up and inevitably change our workplaces and how we work.“
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