The Federal Government has signed a partnership agreement with Coursera, the National Open University of Nigeria and Yaba College of Technology to deliver digital skills training to young Nigerians, with the government fully funding 36,000 licences across Coursera and Pluralsight in the programme's first year.

The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of the Education World Forum in London, where the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, described the initiative as a strategic investment in Nigeria's human capital under the Digital Training Academy programme.

Dr Alausa's Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, disclosed the development in a statement on Thursday, noting that the partnership reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu's administration's commitment to equipping Nigerian youths with globally relevant digital skills.

Participants in the programme will receive training in artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, cloud computing, software engineering and other high demand digital fields, with every participant accessing world class digital training at no personal cost.

The Minister revealed that beneficiaries would also earn globally recognised certifications valued by employers across the world, positioning Nigerian youths for international career opportunities.

Speaking at the event, Dr Alausa stated that the Digital Training Academy reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda's focus on youth empowerment, innovation and human capital development.

"The Renewed Hope Agenda recognises that digital competency is no longer optional, it is foundational. The Digital Training Academy is a direct investment in helping young Nigerians compete and lead in the global digital economy," he said.

He explained that NOUN's nationwide presence would help ensure equal access for youths across all geopolitical zones, while YABATECH would provide industry focused expertise, facilitators and mentors to support participants throughout the programme.

"Access to training alone is not enough. What truly changes lives is completion, support and accountability," the Minister stated.

Describing the agreement as "a covenant between government and Nigerian youth," Dr Alausa assured that the administration would continue investing in initiatives that equip young Nigerians with the skills, confidence and credentials needed to compete globally.

The Federal Ministry of Education affirmed its commitment to expanding access to quality education, strengthening digital innovation and empowering Nigerian youths with the skills required to succeed in a rapidly evolving global economy.