The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has demanded that the Ministry of Communications Innovations and Digital Economy take quick action on the digital talent development initiative.
In a statement signed by the National Director, Research and Innovation, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Sadiq Zango noted that there is a need for clarity and action concerning the Initiative, which is poised to equip 3 million tech professionals by 2030.
NANS, in the statement, lamented that the initiative, which is meant to boost Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global economy, had witnessed a notable absence of actionable steps and a clear implementation framework.
It further added that the lack of tangible progress on the implementation of the initiative represents a missed opportunity for millions of Nigerian youth who are eager to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s digital transformation.
However, he stated that NANS as a student body is ready to work alongside the Ministry to ensure that the goals of the Digital Talent
Development Initiative is realized, the group threatened to hold a peaceful protest across major cities and universities in the country if no action is taken after 14 days of the publication.
“The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) is the foremost and unified voice of Nigerian students, representing millions across our nation’s tertiary institutions. As a body committed to the advocacy of student welfare and national development, NANS consistently works toward initiatives that promote sustainable growth, education, and empowerment for the youth of Nigeria.
“We hereby bring to the attention of the Ministry of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy the urgent need for clarity and action concerning its Digital Talent Development Initiative, which is poised to equip 3 million tech professionals by 2030.
“This ambitious initiative is intended to boost Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global digital economy, yet despite its prominence in government policy, there has been a notable absence of actionable steps and a clear implementation framework.
“The significance of this initiative cannot be overstated. It promises not only to address Nigeria’s growing need for skilled professionals in critical digital fields such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and software development but also to empower Nigerian students to take part in a globally competitive workforce.
“However, the lack of tangible progress on this front represents a missed opportunity for millions of Nigerian youth who are eager to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s digital transformation. Given the pressing need to act swiftly and effectively, NANS calls for immediate attention to this matter.
“The continued delay in the roll-out of these programs threatens to undermine the very goals set forth for the future of Nigeria’s digital economy. As representatives of the student body, we believe that students must be at the forefront of these initiatives, actively participating in the transformation that they will ultimately drive.
In light of the Ministry’s public commitment to the Digital Talent Development Initiative, NANS hereby issues the following demands for immediate action, including the publication of a Detailed Implementation Roadmap.
“Prioritisation of collaboration with NANS and other relevant educational bodies to integrate digital skills training into existing academic structures, Involvement of NANS in program design and monitoring as the primary representative body for Nigerian students, NANS must be actively involved in the design, execution, and monitoring of the digital talent development initiative. We demand an official partnership
“On these critical demands in a 14-day timeframe, NANS will be compelled to initiate a national mobilisation campaign to ensure that the voices of Nigerian students are heard. The following actions will be taken if there is no visible progress to amplify our calls for the urgent implementation of digital talent programs.
“We are prepared to work alongside the Ministry to ensure that the goals of the Digital Talent Development Initiative are realized. However, should these demands continue to be ignored, we will take every necessary step to protect the interests of Nigerian students and ensure that our voices are heard,” the statement read.
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