The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced her collaboration with the Microsoft Corporation to accelerate digital transformation in Nigeria in the next few months.
Prof Yemi Osibanjo, the Nigerian Vice President who expressed his delight in the initiative disclosed that it is a partnership that will bridge the knowledge, skills and technology gap that exist in most of our communities as Nigeria moves to become more digital economy.
Today, I am delighted to announce some initiatives that the Nigerian government will be embarking on with the Microsoft Corporation over the next few months.
— Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) May 3, 2021
According to Brad Smith, the Microsoft President,
“We believe in the future of Nigeria, and we are excited as a company to add to our investments,”
“Together, we have an enormous opportunity to put technology to work, create jobs, to foster the technology ecosystem across Nigeria, and to use technology to preserve the best of the past and take us into the future.”
The partnership is anchored on three pillars: Increased connectivity, Upskilling and job creation, and Digital transformation.
Microsoft News Center further disclosed that “following discussions with the Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy and local partners, six regions in the country have been earmarked for the development of high-speed internet infrastructure.”
“Microsoft’s Airband team will work closely with local partners to improve broadband connectivity in these communities while also assisting with the design and implementation of hyper-scale cloud services.”
It added that “technological infrastructure alone is not enough to ensure sustainable digital transformation, so Microsoft is committing to upskilling five million people in Nigeria over the next three years.”
“To help reach this goal, 1,700 trainers will provide blended online and in-person training courses to the country’s youth as well as government workers.”
” Government will also be given the tools to digitally transform skilling, education, and employment methods to match job seekers with the right employers.”
“In doing so, we hope to create over 27,000 new digital jobs in the next three years.”
For video and more details on the Partnership, visit http://msft.it/6010Vmyc6
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
