Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has announced a landmark partnership between the Federal Government and Coursera aimed at equipping thousands of Nigerian youths with globally competitive digital skills.
Alausa disclosed the development during the ongoing Education World Forum 2026 in London, where he signed the agreement to launch the Digital Training Academy (DTA), a major initiative focused on expanding access to technology education and digital workforce development across Nigeria.
According to the minister, the programme will provide young Nigerians with world-class training in high-demand fields including Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing and Software Engineering.
In a statement shared on his official X account, Alausa said participants would also earn globally recognised certifications designed to improve employability and competitiveness in the international digital economy.
“Through this programme, young Nigerians will receive world class training in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Software Engineering and other high demand digital fields, while earning globally recognised certifications valued by employers across the world,” he stated.
The minister revealed that the Federal Government has already funded 36,000 training licences in the first year of the initiative through partnerships with Coursera and Pluralsight.
He described the intervention as one of the largest government-backed digital skills investments in Nigeria’s history.
“In a landmark investment under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Federal Government has fully funded 36,000 licences across Coursera and Pluralsight in the first year alone ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent any Nigerian youth from accessing world class digital education,” Alausa said.
“This is one of the largest government funded digital skills investments in Nigeria’s history.”
The programme will be implemented in partnership with the National Open University of Nigeria and Yaba College of Technology, institutions expected to provide nationwide access, mentorship and industry-focused support for participants.
Alausa stressed that digital literacy and technical competence are becoming essential tools for economic competitiveness and national development.
“Digital competency is no longer optional. It is foundational. We are building a generation of young Nigerians that can compete, lead and thrive in the global digital economy,” he said.
The minister also expressed appreciation to Coursera, NOUN and YABATECH for collaborating with the Federal Government on the initiative, describing the partnership as a critical step toward preparing Nigerian youths for emerging opportunities in the global technology ecosystem.
