Labour

Future of work: JUSUN trains 100 members on ICT digital skills

In an effort to prepare workers with the requisite skills for the future of the world of work, the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has commenced a one-week digital skill training in information and communication technology for 100 members of its union selected across the country under the tutelage of the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) Digital Bridge Institute.

JUSUN is a trade union of workers in federal and state judiciary establishment in Nigeria. The union is an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

Speaking at the opening session of the training programme, the National President of JUSUN, Comrade Marwan Mustapha Adamu, said: “The training marks a significant milestone for the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) as we launch the ICT/Digital Training of 100 members under the NCC-DBI ADEPTI Programme.

“The Federal Government’s policy to automate and digitalise the judiciary system presented a dilemma for JUSUN members, but the union saw it as an opportunity for growth. The policy posed a serious challenge to our union. We recognised the potential threat of job loss due to digitalisation, but we chose to see it as an opportunity to improve on the capacity of our members. As a union that is very committed to our members’ welfare, we assured them that we would provide the necessary training to stay relevant in the digital age.

“This training programme is our response to that commitment. We are investing in our members’ future, equipping them with the skills to thrive in a digitalised judiciary system. I am confident that this initiative will not only enhance our members’ job security but also improve the overall efficiency of our judiciary system.

“Against this background, JUSUN leadership approached the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) to provide necessary support and assistance through training, launching our members into the digital world and ensuring their continued relevance.

“The DBI, an institution established by the NCC, is Nigeria’s foremost centre of excellence in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) training and education. We are quite aware of the DBI roles in bridging the digital divide in the country and maintain the highest standard through their various training programmes.

“The trust we have in DBI led to our gathering here today for this training. The President/CEO of the DBI graciously approved our application to be trained and participate in their 2024 Advance Digital Empowerment Programme for Tertiary Institution (ADEPTI). The training is fully sponsored by the Nigerian Communications Commission.

“The training is on Digital Skills, Cybersecurity and Emerging Technology (DiSCET). For the next five days, 100 judiciary workers (JUSUN members), who have been selected across all the states of the federation and the FCT, will be trained.

“I call on all government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), private organisations and other trade unions in the country to leverage the expertise of the DBI to train their workforce. Specifically, I will advise the labour movement in the country to work closely with all employers of labour, both in government and in the private sectors, to ensure effective training of Nigerian workers through the DBI programmes in order to remain relevant in the world of work.”

“The world is going digital and without doubt, the ICT will shape the future of all businesses and human interactions. We in Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind.

“Together, we are shaping the future of Nigeria’s judiciary system, one that is modern, efficient and responsive to the needs of our citizens.”

Earlier in his remarks, the DBI President and Chief Executive Officer, David Desert, who was represented by the Group Head, Corporate Services, Viola Askia Usoro, said digital skills are essential for the world of work of today.

He added that workers in the judiciary most importantly need such skills to deliver on their job. He urged the trainees to take the opportunity seriously and utilise the opportunity.

Christian Appolos