FG Partners Coursera to Train 36,000 Nigerian Youths in AI, Cybersecurity

The Federal Government has partnered with Coursera to launch the Digital Training Academy (DTA), a programme designed to equip 36,000 Nigerian youths with globally recognised digital certifications.

The initiative was announced by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, via his X account on Thursday following engagements on the sidelines of the Education World Forum 2026 in London.

The programme is part of efforts to expand access to digital education and prepare young Nigerians for emerging opportunities in the global technology economy. It will focus on high-demand fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing and Software Engineering.

What they are saying   

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said the agreement with Coursera marks a significant step in expanding access to global-standard digital training for Nigerian youths.

• “On the sidelines of the Education World Forum 2026 in London, I signed a landmark partnership with @coursera to launch the Digital Training Academy (DTA), a major initiative designed to equip Nigerian youths with globally competitive digital skills.”
• “Through this programme, young Nigerians will receive world class training in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Software Engineering and other high demand digital fields, while earning globally recognised certifications valued by employers across the world.”  

The minister also confirmed that the Federal Government has fully funded 36,000 licences across Coursera and Pluralsight for the first year to remove financial barriers.

He noted that the initiative is designed to ensure broader access to digital education opportunities across Nigeria.

The programme is expected to offer structured training and certifications that align with global employer standards, helping participants improve their employability in the digital economy.

More insights  

Alausa further noted that the programme would be implemented in partnership with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) to ensure nationwide access and provide industry-focused mentorship and support for participants.

He added that digital competency had become essential in today’s economy, stressing that the government was focused on building a generation of Nigerian youths capable of competing and thriving in the global technology ecosystem.

The minister also expressed appreciation to Coursera, NOUN and YABATECH for supporting the initiative and partnering with the Federal Government to expand digital skills access across the country.

What you should know 

The launch of the Digital Training Academy (DTA) aligns with the Federal Government’s broader push to expand technical, vocational and digital skills development among Nigerian youths.

• In 2025, the government introduced several initiatives aimed at improving workforce readiness and reducing unemployment through practical and technology-driven education programmes.
• One such initiative was the Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) programme, which attracted over 90,000 applications within days of the portal going live, according to the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa.
  • The TVET initiative, launched in May 2025, was designed to equip Nigerians with market-relevant skills for employment and self-reliance, with stronger emphasis placed on hands-on learning and industry-focused training.

As part of the reforms, the Federal Government also revised the TVET curriculum to prioritise practical training, adopting an 80:20 ratio that places greater focus on hands-on technical skills over classroom-based theory.

Nigeria also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China in 2025 to strengthen vocational education through technical partnerships and practical training support.