In a significant move to foster the information technology revolution and boost economic and social interactions in Nigeria, the Federal Government, in collaboration with ALAT, has initiated the Skillnovation Programme. 

The Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, during the programme’s launch at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on September 29, 2023, hailed Skillnovation as a transformative initiative that marks a new era of digital empowerment for Nigerians. 

He emphasized that this initiative responds to the evolving modern business environment and acknowledged that digital skills are now fundamental to economic growth and expansion.

“Nigeria, with its expanding MSME sector of close to 40 million, has the potential to lead business innovation beyond Africa. The Skillnovation Programme, therefore, aims to unlock this immense potential. The initiative is designed to provide the necessary tools and skills for our MSMEs to thrive and compete on the global stage.

“As you have witnessed, ladies and gentlemen, the Skillnovation Programme is not a mere promise; it is a resounding commitment to the Nigerian people,” the Vice President added. “It’s in pursuit of this administration’s resolve to empower our youth and MSMEs and to create a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria. Today, we are translating that commitment into action, and we intend to be your allies in your race to take over the world through your enhanced skills,” he said

The Skillnovation Programme plans to set up 15 advanced ICT centres across Nigeria, providing individuals and businesses with access to top-notch digital training, resources, and support.

The programme will initially focus on Katsina, Anambra, Borno, Lagos, Oyo, and Kano states, with Delta, Kaduna, Ogun, Bauchi, Kwara, and Ekiti states included in the second phase.

The Vice President assured that no one would be excluded from the Skillnovation Programme based on age, gender, or disability. He also revealed ongoing discussions with the Bank of Industry and other key stakeholders about proposed single-digit loan schemes for valued MSMEs.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Mr Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, highlighted the importance of partnerships in addressing Nigeria’s challenges. 

Wema Bank’s Managing Director, Mr Moruf Oseni, praised the President and Vice President’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians and announced plans to establish skills training centres across 17 states.