FG eyes 10 million certified talents by 2030

FG eyes 10 million certified talents by 2030

The Federal Government has announced plans to create one million export linked jobs and produce 10 million globally certified Nigerians by 2030 through reforms in education and skills development.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this at the “Hire From Nigeria” side event held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

According to the minister, the Federal Ministry of Education is supporting the National Talent Export Programme by developing a skilled talent pool connected directly to global employment opportunities.

He explained that Nigeria’s youthful population, English-language advantage, cultural adaptability and growing digital capabilities provide a strong foundation for participation in the global services economy.

Alausa said the government was addressing gaps between education and employer demands through curriculum reforms, improved accreditation and quality assurance, as well as expanded digital and technical training.

He also highlighted the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), apprenticeships, university education and continuous upskilling as pathways to employment, entrepreneurship and further learning.

The minister disclosed that the government’s free TVET programme had received more than one million applications, with 160,000 trainees supported through about 1,200 centres nationwide.

He further said the Digital Training Academy was partnering with global learning platforms, including Coursera and Pluralsight, to provide 32,000 Nigerians with free professional training in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, software development, fintech and machine learning.

Alausa stressed that Nigerian youths must be equipped to work alongside artificial intelligence by developing skills such as creativity, judgement, data literacy, cybersecurity, customer success and quality assurance.

He urged international employers, investors, Business Process Outsourcing operators and development partners to collaborate with Nigeria by supporting training, certification, work-based learning and recruitment from Nigerian talent pools.

The minister reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to aligning education and skills development with the Federal Government’s human capital development, job creation and economic growth agenda.

He said the ultimate goal was to build an education and skills system that connects Nigerian talent to global opportunities while enabling young Nigerians to develop sustainable careers both within and outside the country.