President/ CEO of DBI, Mr. Daser David, (middle), Mr. Chris Uwaje 3rd right) and Other op Industry Stakeholders at the Institute’s Global Certificate Licensing Programme in Lagos. Photo: VON

The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched the Digital Bridge Institute’s DBI Global Certificate Licensing programme as part of ongoing efforts to equip Nigerian individuals and organisations with requisite skills and certifications needed to thrive in the global digital ecosystem,

Launched on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the DBI Lagos Campus, the programme has been variously described as a significant step towards addressing Nigeria’s growing digital skills gap.

The DBI programme with the theme, “Empowering Talents, Certifying Excellence and Transforming Industries”, is designed to equip individuals, particularly young Nigerians and organisations with the required skills and certifications to excel in the digital economy.

It was gathered the Digital Bridge Institute is wholly owned by the Nigerian Communications Commission NCC, which was established in 2004 as the training arm of the Commission address knowledge gaps in communication skills. The DBI aims to address this through ICT/digital training, and has been at the forefront of Information and Communications Technology ICT education in Nigeria.

Speaking on activation of the DBI Global Certificate Licensing Programme, both the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani and the Vice-Chairman/ CEO of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, described the programme as a step in the right direction for Nigeria.

They said development would ensure that Nigerian youths are not left behind in the modern digital age.

Dr. Tijani also noted with the launch of the DBI Certificate Licensing Programme, the West African country is poised to make a bold leap towards bridging its digital skills gap while preparing its workforce for the digital future.

“The programme promises to equip individuals with globally recognised certifications and the skills needed to excel in the ICT sector.

“This initiative is not just about training, it is about creating opportunities, fostering innovation, and building a stronger, more competitive Nigeria”, the Minister stated.

He further argued that by empowering individuals with the necessary digital skills, the DBI Certificate Licensing Programme aims to play a key role in job creation, innovation, and economic development across Nigeria.

“The launch marks a significant step toward transforming Nigeria into a global leader in ICT, positioning the country to meet the demands of the ever-evolving digital economy”, the Minister also said

Meanwhile, the President/CEO of DBI, Mr. Daser David, who highlighted the significance of the initiative, was quoted to have said that the programme marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s drive to equip its citizens with the necessary digital skills to succeed in the modern economy.

“The programme will not only offer high-quality training but also open new doors for collaboration and growth within the technology sector. We are here today to create pathways for growth, empower individuals, and position Nigeria as a leader in the global digital space.

“DBI, which is wholly owned by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has long been at the forefront of ICT education in Nigeria”, Daser said.

He also disclosed the DBI was licensed by the International Telecommunication Union ITU, and that the Institute maintains partnerships with some of the world’s leading technology organisations, including Cisco, Microsoft, and Huawei.

According to Daser, these affiliations have enabled DBI to deliver top-tier ICT training and certifications that are globally recognised.

He explained: “Our partnerships allow us to provide internationally acknowledged certifications, ensuring that the skills acquired here meet global standards.”

Underscoring the strategic importance of the programme, Daser noted that Nigeria is currently facing a significant digital skills gap, particularly among its youths.

He made reference to a UNICEF report, which said only seven out of 100 of Nigerians aged 15-24 have marketable ICT skills, leaving a vast majority underprepared for the demands of the emerging Nigeria Digital Economy.

He equally quoted a 2020 report by Palladium Group which revealed that over 50 percent of Nigerian youths are either underemployed or unemployed due to a disconnect between their education and the skills needed in the job market emphasising the importance of addressing the issue through the DBI Certificate Licensing Programme.

“The gap between the skills our youth possess and what is required by the job, market must be closed. This programme is designed to provide access to industry-recognised training that will boost employability and help fill the growing gap in the ICT sector”, he said.

The programme, officially known as the Global Certification and Training Partnership Programme (GTP/GCP), he stated, was developed through extensive collaboration with industry experts, academia, and government bodies.

Daser, therefore, expressed the hope that the latest initiative would see DBI license its training programmes to qualified institutions and trainers across Nigeria, enabling them to deliver DBI’s curriculum to learners nationwide.

“This is an important step in democratising access to ICT education, particularly in underserved regions. We are not just bringing training to Lagos but to every corner of Nigeria. This initiative supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of preparing Nigeria’s youth for the high-demand jobs in the technology sector, enhancing their employability and driving economic growth.

“This is not just about providing training but also about contributing to the broader national goals of job creation and economic diversification.

“Through this initiative, DBI is contributing to Nigeria’s ambition to establish a skilled workforce capable of competing on the global stage. I call on educational institutions, trainers, and private sector organisations to join us in shaping the future of Nigeria’s digital landscape”, the DBI-boss said.

He therefore called on the Nigerian media ecosystem to help to disseminate information about the programme, which he believes has the potential to make a lasting impact on Nigeria’s economy and workforce.

Recall that the Global Certificate Licensing programme further aligns with the strategic objectives of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, particularly its 2023-2027 plan to strengthen Nigeria’s knowledge economy and digital infrastructure.