“Microsoft is willing to collaborate with Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy and jointly drive skill and employment initiatives in Nigeria by potentially building the capabilities and capacities of government organisations and enabling them to provide economic opportunities for the youth.”
*Photo: Prof Pantami (2nd left) during the signing of the MoU*
Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) has on behalf of the Federal Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Microsoft to upskill 5 million Nigerians with Digital Skills in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy for a #DigitalNigeria .
The Shield Online reports that the signing of the MoU took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on the sideline of the 2022 Gulf Information Technology Exhibition Conference (2022 GITEX).
While signing the agreement , Professor Pantami, commended Microsoft for the offer and disclosed that the process and the implementation of the MOU would commence in earnest.
He said: “We are highly delighted with this offer of corporate social responsibility by the Microsoft Corporation.
“Though some of our agencies provide capacity building programmes for teeming citizens, this new offer by Microsoft will go a long in achieving our dream of Digital Nigeria.
“We value action once agreements are signed, we will ensure immediate commencement of the implementation.
“We will continue to provide enabling environment and ensure that our regulatory instruments are developmental and flexible for Microsoft and other businesses to flourish.”
In his remarks, Microsoft representative, Mr Deen Yusuf, said: “Microsoft is willing to collaborate with Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy and jointly drive skill and employment initiatives in Nigeria by potentially building the capabilities and capacities of government organisations and enabling them to provide economic opportunities for the youth.”
Some of the components of MOU included: training of 1 million job seekers in most relevant digital skills for the job of today; 1700 Master trainers would be upskilled and 200,000 for certification as learners.
“At least 7000 jobs would be created through the initiative,” he said.