Digital Economy: Government opens digital skills portal for eligible Nigerians

*The Federal Government, in partnership with Wema Bank, invites eligible technology enthusiasts, aspiring entrepreneurs, business owners, job seekers and visionary future leaders, among others to apply for the digital skills programme for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises it launched recently

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

For more Nigerians to start own businesses and create wealth, the Federal Government, in collaboration with Wema Bank, is inviting eligible citizens to apply for its recently launched digital skills programme for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Mr. Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs (Office of the Vice-President), announced this via a statement issued Monday, October 16, 2023, in Abuja, FCT.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima 

ConsumerConnect reports the programme is said to be part of the Federal  Government’s arrangements to train two million youths on digital skills to create wealth and add value to the Nigerian economy.

Adekunle-Johnson said entries for the FGN X ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme were open to technology enthusiasts, aspiring entrepreneurs, business owners, job seekers, working professionals and visionary future leaders.

The Presidential aide explained that interested and eligible Nigerians could visit: https://fg-skillnovation.alat.ng and apply for the programme.

The portal, he stated, would open from Monday, October 16, and applicants must be Nigerian citizens residing in the country, said he.

Adekunle-Johnson further stated the eligible citizens “must be between the ages of 18 and 35; have literacy and numeracy skills with formal education as a plus and not mandatory.

“Applicants must also have a digital device, a smartphone, laptop, or a desktop to help stay connected and engaged.

“They must be ready to commit to the entire duration of the programme and have keen interest in digital skills, entrepreneurship or technology.”

Benefits of FGN X ALAT Digital Skillnovation programme

According to Adekunle-Johnson, some of the benefits of the programme include training and guiding growth through shared knowledge and experience.

He equally listed others to include growth and development of skills with the best mentorship, funding for innovative ideas, fostering startups for success and connecting products, as well as expanding reach.

The SSA also assured prospective applicants that the FGN X ALAT Digital Skillnovation programme guarantees access to funding worth several millions of Dollars in mentorship, job prospects and grants.

He noted this is with a view to bringing the ideas of beneficiaries to life and real market experiences, among other benefits.

Adekunle-Johnson restated: “Again, interested Nigerians should go to https://fg-skillnovation.alat.ng and apply for the programme.”

Commenting on the collaboration between the Federal Government and Wema Bank, Mr. Olusola Abiola, Director of Information, Office of the Vice President, had stated that the training is in furtherance of the Federal Government’s pledge to support the job creation agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

“Wema Bank, in partnership with the Office of the Vice-President, has concluded arrangements to commence an initiative that will impact two million youths and one million MSMEs across the country,” Abiola stated.