The Federal Government of Nigeria has set a target of producing 10 million globally certified Nigerians by 2030. This initiative aims to position Nigeria as a major player in the global outsourcing and digitally enabled services market. Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, disclosed this at the Hire From Nigeria side event held on the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
According to Alausa, Nigeria's large youthful population, English-language advantage, cultural adaptability, and growing digital capabilities provide a strong foundation for participation in the global outsourcing economy. The sector presents opportunities to create jobs, increase export earnings, and enable Nigerians to build globally sourced careers without leaving the country.
Alausa identified challenges that must be addressed, including the mismatch between training and evolving employer demands, limited work-based learning opportunities, and inadequate access to internationally recognized certification. The ministry is responding through curriculum reform, stronger accreditation and quality assurance, and expanded digital and technical training through federal institutions and credible private training providers.
The Federal Government's free Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme has attracted more than one million applications, with 160,000 trainees supported through about 1,200 centers nationwide. The government is promoting multiple pathways to employment and enterprise, including university education, TVET, apprenticeships, and continuous upskilling.
Alausa emphasized the need to prepare young Nigerians for an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. The government, through its Digital Training Academy, is partnering with global learning providers to provide 32,000 Nigerians with free access to professional digital and technology training.
Alausa called on international employers, Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) operators, investors, and development partners to invest in talent pipelines. He urged employers to define their skills requirements, co-design training programs, provide work-based learning, recognize credible Nigerian certifications, recruit from Nigerian talent pools, and provide feedback on workforce performance.
The minister reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to aligning education reforms with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on human capital development, job creation, skills acquisition, and inclusive economic growth. The ministry's goal is to create one million export-linked jobs and 10 million globally certified Nigerians by 2030.
Key points
- The Federal Government targets 10 million globally certified Nigerians by 2030.
- Nigeria's large youthful population and growing digital capabilities provide a strong foundation for participation in the global outsourcing economy.
- The government is promoting multiple pathways to employment and enterprise, including university education, TVET, apprenticeships, and continuous upskilling.
