Nigerian government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with global tech giant, Microsoft Corporation, to train five million citizens on high-demand technological skills that are needed to improve their respective careers.
On signing the agreement on behalf of Nigeria on the margins of the ongoing GITEX 2022 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, commended Microsoft for the offer.
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.”
“At least 7000 jobs would be created through the initiative,” he said.
