Basic Digital Education Initiative: Tech4Dev Partners Microsoft Nigeria to Step up Digital Skills of 500,000 Nigerians

Technology for Development (Tech4Dev), a non-profit social enterprise in partnership with Microsoft Nigeria, plans to train 500,000 young Nigerians on digital skills and combat low proficiency of digital skills for adults between 18 and 60 years with the Basic Digital Education Initiative (BDEI).

Tech4Dev partners Microsoft Nigeria to Train over 500,000 Young Nigerians on Digital Skills @EniAkinsola @enitanoba pic.twitter.com/vkJsktBVFR

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Joel Akinsola, Executive Director, Tech4Dev said the programme is aimed at young individuals in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions to help them acquire foundational digital skills. He said the move was necessary in order to equip young minds with the requisite skills for the knowledge-based future that is the reality of the 21st century.

We are making ample investment in digital skills education over the decade through support from Microsoft Philanthropy to train the next generation of young individuals looking to be part of the fourth industrial revolution as well as adults who very much need the skills to fully benefit from new opportunities being presented by the fourth industrial revolution.

The training is expected to take place offline, teaching aids would be supplied to the educators who are expected to carry out the training in schools and communities within their province. The curriculum cuts across several areas of the digital world, including; Introduction to computer, productivity tools and workplace essentials, big data and cloud technologies, cybersecurity and digital lifestyles.

The initiative seeks to train 5,000 digital skill tutors who will in turn be empowered to train 500,000 young people on digital skills in Nigeria.

Also speaking at the launch, the General Manager, Microsoft Nigeria, Akin Banuso said the company believes technology should be an equalizing force in the world inclusive, not divisive. And so, it is investing its greatest assets, its technology, grants, people, and voice to advance a more equitable world where the benefits of technology are accessible to everyone.

Tech4Dev would be partnering with the office of the Vice President and other local partners to ensure that the Basic Digital Education Initiative (BDEI) reaches the right audience across Nigeria.