The African Development Bank (AfDB) launched a Digital Nigeria e-Learning platform endorsed by the Nigerian Federal Government and the Microsoft. In less than 24 hours after the launch, the eLearning platform recorded approximately 16,000 subscribers registered on the platform. At the same time, more than 6,000 users, have completed the first training course with an awarded certificate.
The e-learning platform was established to empower Nigerian youths with digital skills, which tends to be profitable and marketable these days in the growing Nigerian market. However, the e-learning platform’s content was designed with a friendly concept, with easy access on mobile phones.
The e-learning platform is equipped with comprehensive courses for study, including web development, content creation, data science, etc. The course study will be consistently updated with the latest information and new courses. The e-learning platform is also endorsed by authorized agencies that permit an issued training certification to be valid.
The new e-learning platform is designed for easy accessibility by its users. It also involves using the gamification technique to teach its users to encourage engagement and better understand courses that require coding, creative thinking, problem-solving, etc.
The e-learning platform aims to empower its users, preparing them for the employment scheme projected by the African Development Bank (AfDB). The platform will also establish a relation connecting both the private and public sectors on promoting the African digital economy with the availability of millions of jobs in the next decade. During the launch that hosted Nigeria’s Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, said: We are championing a paradigm shift that emphasizes skills. this is a growing trend across the globe.”
The digital literacy and skills pillar recognizes that citizens are the greatest assets in any economy, including the digital economy. It will support the development of a large pool of digitally literate and digitally skilled citizens.
Moreover, Ebrima Faal, the Senior Director of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Nigerian branch, also commented, denoting facts about how an average human crave to gain access to digital services and the evolution of industrial technologies in both sectors. Ebrima Faal said: “From artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, social media communication, digital learning platforms, augmented and virtual reality, drones, 3D printing and so much more the world has undergone massive disruption. The African Development Bank is committed to supporting the Nigerian government to realize a fully integrated digital agenda.
The Middle East & Africa Director for Microsoft Philanthropies, Ghada Khalifa, was also present during the launch, and he also contributed his ideas. He said; Microsoft Philanthropies is committed to creating inclusive economic opportunities in light of the economic crisis created by COVID-19.”
“We are investing in building the capacity of 5 million African youth by 2025, and excited about our collaboration with the African Development Bank and the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy in Nigeria with the launch of the Digital Nigeria platform to provide Nigerians with access to digital skills to meet the demand of the job market.”
The Digital Nigerian e-Learning platform represents the primary factor in boosting the AfDB and the Nigerian federal government’s objectives to empower the unskilled youths of Nigeria. To also build their respective digital skills to fit in the employment projected for the future as the digital economy seems to be thriving at a high pace. Whereas the Nigerian digital program in affiliation with the AfDB to process its tactical plan to empower the African youths with economic skills to fit appropriately in the 25 million job opportunities in the agricultural sector, banking sector, information communication technology (ICT), and other significant economic sectors responsible for growing the African digital economy by the forthcoming decade.
