Nigeria Signs Deal To Train 36,000 Youths In Digital Economy Programme

The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a landmark agreement to train 36,000 young Nigerians in digital skills development, as part of a renewed push to prepare youths for opportunities in the global digital economy.

The initiative, known as the Digital Training Academy (DTA) programme, was formally signed on the sidelines of the Education World Forum (EWF) in London and is being positioned as a flagship intervention under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said the programme reflects the administration’s commitment to equipping Nigerian youths with globally competitive skills in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. According to him, digital competence is now essential for national development and individual employability. He added that the Renewed Hope Agenda recognises digital competency as a core foundation for modern economic growth, stressing that the initiative is a direct investment in helping young Nigerians compete globally.

A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, Ikharo Attah, confirmed that the programme will be delivered in partnership with global online learning platform Coursera, alongside Nigeria’s National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH). Through this partnership, participants will be trained in high-demand digital and tech fields including Artificial Intelligence (AI), data science, cybersecurity, cloud computing, software engineering, and digital product development.

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The Federal Government also confirmed it has fully funded 36,000 learning licences across Coursera and Pluralsight, ensuring that selected participants will access training at no personal cost. Officials said the initiative is designed to remove financial barriers while ensuring participants earn internationally recognised certifications that can improve their employability in both local and global job markets.

To ensure nationwide participation, the programme will leverage NOUN’s distance learning structure, allowing access for youths across all geopolitical zones in Nigeria. YABATECH will complement this effort by providing industry-based mentorship, facilitators, and technical support to strengthen practical learning outcomes and improve completion rates.

Alausa stressed that success will depend not only on access but also on accountability and completion, noting that structured support systems have been built into the programme to ensure measurable impact. He described the agreement as a “covenant between government and Nigerian youth,” reaffirming the administration’s commitment to long-term investment in human capital development.

The initiative is part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to reduce youth unemployment and strengthen participation in the global digital economy, where demand for skilled tech professionals continues to grow. Analysts say the programme could position Nigeria as a major exporter of digital talent if properly implemented and sustained.

However, education stakeholders have urged the government to ensure transparency, strong monitoring, and long-term funding to avoid challenges that have affected similar intervention programmes in the past.

Despite these concerns, the initiative has been widely welcomed as a significant step toward bridging Nigeria’s growing digital skills gap and expanding access to globally relevant technology education.

Nigeria Signs Deal To Train 36,000 Youths In Digital Economy Programme

BREAKING: JAMB Releases 279 Withheld UTME Results After Malpractice Review

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the release of 279 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results that were earlier withheld for further scrutiny over suspected examination malpractice.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Thursday by the board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, who said the decision followed a detailed review of flagged cases during the 2026 UTME exercise.

According to JAMB, the released results are part of ongoing investigations into alleged irregularities recorded in some examination centres across the country.

The board explained that while some candidates were cleared after investigations found no evidence of malpractice, others had their results cancelled after being found culpable.

JAMB noted that the review process remains ongoing for several centres identified through its monitoring system for suspicious activities and reported irregularities during the examination period.

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It added that results linked to such centres will remain withheld until investigations are fully concluded.

The examination body warned that any candidate eventually found guilty of malpractice will have their results cancelled in line with its regulations and examination guidelines.

To check their results, candidates were advised to send “UTMERESULT” to 55019 or 66019 using the same phone number used during UTME registration, as part of JAMB’s official result-checking process.

The board reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the UTME examination, stressing that strict monitoring systems were in place to curb malpractice and ensure fairness in the conduct of future examinations.

The latest release is part of JAMB’s phased review process for the 2026 UTME, which has seen results released in batches following nationwide examinations conducted earlier in the year.

BREAKING: JAMB Releases 279 Withheld UTME Results After Malpractice Review

7 Key Facts About Professor Segun Aina, Tinubu’s New JAMB Registrar

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Professor Segun Aina as the new Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), bringing a fresh wave of expectations for Nigeria’s tertiary admissions system.

Aina will succeed Professor Is-haq Oloyede, whose second and final tenure as JAMB registrar ends on July 31, 2026.

The appointment was announced on Thursday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The incoming registrar, a Professor of Computer Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s leading experts in digital examination systems, education technology, and ICT-driven institutional reforms.

UK-Trained Professor With Strong Technology Background

Professor Aina studied in the United Kingdom, where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Kent.

He later obtained a Master’s degree in Internet Computing and Network Security as well as a PhD in Digital Signal Processing from Loughborough University.

He also attended the Senior Management Programme at Lagos Business School, strengthening his leadership and administrative capacity.

Expert in Artificial Intelligence and Digital Systems

The new JAMB Registrar specialises in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Digital Signal Processing, Robotics, Data Science, and Human-Computer Interaction.

At OAU, he teaches courses including Computer Architecture, Digital Signal Processing Systems, and Real-Time Systems.

His academic profile has earned him recognition within Nigeria’s engineering and technology community.

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Experience With Examination Bodies and Education Reforms

Before his appointment, Aina worked with several examination agencies and educational institutions across Nigeria.

He reportedly consulted for the National Examinations Council (NECO), the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), and some state ministries of education.

His expertise covers examination integrity, digital transition, ICT infrastructure, data management, and operational reforms.

According to information released by the Presidency, Aina’s relationship with JAMB dates back to his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, where he gained early exposure to national admissions and examination processes.

One of Nigeria’s Youngest Professors

Professor Aina became a Professor of Computer Engineering at the age of 39, making him one of the youngest professors in Nigeria in the field of engineering and technology.

He is expected to become the youngest Registrar in JAMB’s history when he officially assumes office.

Speaking after his promotion to professor, Aina attributed his success to both hard work and smart work.

“I think hard work, but I think beyond hard work; I think also smart work. It is not just about working hard; you need to work smart,” he said.

Technology Entrepreneur and Policy Contributor

Beyond academics, Aina is also involved in technology entrepreneurship and institutional development.

In 2010, he co-founded Fluid Click Solutions Ltd, an IT services and engineering project management company.

He has also participated in consultancy projects involving public institutions and government agencies, including assignments linked to the Office of the Vice President.

Member of Top Professional Bodies

The incoming registrar belongs to several professional organisations, including:

• Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN)
• Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE)
• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
• Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
• Nigerian Computer Society (NCS)

Expectations Ahead of JAMB Leadership Transition

Aina’s appointment comes at a critical time for JAMB, as stakeholders expect further improvements in digital examination systems, transparency, and operational efficiency.

His predecessor, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, is widely credited with reforming the examination body, increasing accountability, and boosting remittances to the federal government since assuming office in 2016.

Education stakeholders are now watching closely to see how the incoming registrar will consolidate on those reforms while addressing emerging challenges in Nigeria’s tertiary admissions process.

7 Key Facts About Professor Segun Aina, Tinubu’s New JAMB Registrar