Tunji Alausa, minister of education, says the federal government is repositioning Nigeria’s education system to equip young people with digital skills, practical knowledge and entrepreneurial capabilities needed for the future of work.
Alausa spoke on Wednesday at the Cisco Networking Academy Instructor Safari Conference for English West and Central Africa in Abuja, themed “Navigating the Future of Skills Development for the Nigerian Economy”.
He said the government was shifting the focus of education beyond academic learning to prepare students for employment, innovation and entrepreneurship in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
“Across every sector, digital technology is changing how we learn, work, communicate and create value. Our responsibility is to ensure that Nigerian young people have the opportunity to acquire these skills and apply them productively,” he said.
The minister said ongoing curriculum reforms were integrating digital technology from the primary school level to provide a foundation for more advanced competencies.
He said the education ministry’s reform agenda was anchored on six priority areas: science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medical sciences (STEMM); technical and vocational education and training (TVET); reducing the number of out-of-school children; girl-child education; data and digitalisation; and quality assurance.
According to him, digital skills cut across these priorities by strengthening scientific learning, improving practical instruction, expanding access to educational opportunities and supporting evidence-based planning.
Alausa identified software development, networking, cybersecurity, data analytics, cloud computing and artificial intelligence as key areas of digital competence.
However, he said technical knowledge must be complemented by critical thinking, communication, teamwork and the ability to solve real-world problems.
The minister said the success of digital training institutions should be measured not only by examination results but also by learners’ ability to develop practical solutions, create useful products, improve services and establish sustainable businesses.
He urged educational institutions, training providers and employers to strengthen collaboration by incorporating practical projects, mentorship, internships and recognised certifications into their programmes.
Alausa said portfolios demonstrating learners’ practical achievements could improve their prospects for employment, entrepreneurship and further learning while ensuring that training remained relevant to workplace needs.
He also called for equitable access to affordable internet connectivity, digital devices and accessible learning resources, particularly for girls and young women, persons with disabilities, rural learners and those facing financial barriers.
The minister said partnerships were essential to expanding digital access, improving instructors’ capacity and ensuring that underserved communities benefited from technological opportunities.
In a related address, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), said digital skills could transform career prospects and prepare Nigerians for changing workplace demands.
Drawing on his experience as a Cisco Networking Academy alumnus, Abdullahi urged instructors to prioritise complex problem-solving, critical thinking and lifelong learning over examination performance alone.
He also highlighted collaboration between NITDA and the Federal Ministry of Education to integrate digital literacy into school curricula and tertiary education.
Alausa said the ministry would sustain education reforms, deepen partnerships with industry and development organisations, and expand access to quality digital skills training.
He said the efforts were intended to prepare young Nigerians for emerging employment opportunities, entrepreneurship and the demands of the future economy.
The minister formally declared the conference open, expressing confidence that investment in digital education and skills development would help produce competent professionals, innovative entrepreneurs and a workforce capable of contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.
