Technology for Social Change and Development Initiative (Tech4Dev), a non-profit organization, in collaboration with the federal government, sponsored a digital skill competition called #DigitalforAllChallenge 2.0 (DFA 2.0).
The challenge, branded as Africa’s largest incentivized digital skilling competition, seeks to empower 1 million Nigerians. In addition, the competition winners would receive cash prizes and scholarships totaling N150 million.
The tournament targets a variety of populations, including young learners (ages 8-15), youth (ages 18-45), and civil servants. Each category is designed to inspire creativity, hone digital skills, and boost productivity.
At a launch in Abuja, Kashifu Abdullahi, director general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) said the challenge which was funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office would help bridge the digital skills gap in the country.
Abdullahi said government was working on positioning the country as a talent net exporter, noting that there was talent deficit globally which could reach 85 million by 2030, and could result in $8.5 trillion unrealized annual value if left unaddressed.
“We believe that Nigeria can bridge that gap if we position ourselves, that is why we have so many initiatives around talent building”, he said.
The DG explained that government want to train 3million Tech talents with 1.5 million serving the local market, and 1.5 million placed on the global value chain.
The Director General maintained that there was plan to build innovation hubs in all the 36 states and FCT, and set up learning centers to further bridge the gap.
Joel Ogunsola , founder TechDev, explained that the Digital For All Challenge was an inclusive strategy that ensures everyone understand the role of technology in building a strong digital economy.
“if we really want to become a digital economy, we need to make investment in areas that are knowledge-driven sector. Essentially, we are giving out N150 million in cash prizes out to winners”, he said.
