The Federal Government has announced plans to link graduates of its proposed Digital Training Academy with international employers through the National Talent Export Programme, in an initiative aimed at converting digital skills training into direct employment.

Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa disclosed the plan while outlining ongoing reforms in the sector, stating that the administration's priority is equipping Nigerians with market relevant skills for a digital global economy.

According to the Minister, the initiative will give trainees from the Digital Training Academy, alongside other skilled Nigerians, a direct pathway into global remote work opportunities under NATEP's "Hire from Nigeria" campaign. "Training without a destination is a dead end. A certificate sitting in a drawer means nothing, a job means everything," Alausa stated.

The Digital Training Academy, currently in its final planning stage, will be implemented in partnership with the Three Million Technical Talent initiative under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and will offer digital and technology skills at varying competency levels.

Alausa revealed that discussions have already begun between the Ministry of Education and the National Talent Export Programme to build a framework that moves trainees seamlessly from skills acquisition to global employment, closing what he described as the disconnect between training and job placement.

He framed the collaboration as part of a broader push to position Nigeria as a global supplier of digital talent, allowing skilled professionals to earn internationally while remaining in the country.

Since taking office alongside Minister of State for Education Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, Alausa said the Ministry has prioritised skills development through its Technical and Vocational Education and Training programme, which drew more than 2.6 million applications across its first two cohorts. He disclosed that over 100,000 trainees completed six month industry focused training in the first cohort, while more than 70,000 are currently enrolled in the second, with training spanning six to twelve months depending on trade.

Alausa argued that Nigeria's challenge is no longer talent development but building systems that connect skilled Nigerians to opportunities, adding that a borderless digital economy means talent no longer needs to relocate to compete internationally.

He commended the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, led by Dr Jumoke Oduwole, for coordinating NATEP and fostering collaboration among government agencies, employers and training providers.

"Our objective is straightforward: bring the world to employ from Nigeria," Alausa added, describing the goal as enabling Nigerians to export their skills and earn globally without relocating abroad.