In line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes the digital transformation of Nigeria’s economy and the empowerment of its workforce, the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), under the funding of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has continued to spearhead capacity-building initiatives through the Advanced Digital Empowerment Programme for Tertiary Institutions (ADEPTI). This program plays a key role in the President’s vision to create a technologically advanced and inclusive society, where the adoption of digital tools is encouraged in all sectors, particularly education.

Through ADEPTI, the NCC, led by Executive Vice Chairman Dr. Aminu Maida, has been delivering advanced ICT skills development, empowering teaching and non-teaching staff across the nation’s tertiary institutions. This initiative aligns directly with President Tinubu’s goals of fostering a vibrant digital economy, a critical component of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The most recent beneficiary of this impactful program is the Federal College of Education, Gombe State, where over 100 staff members were trained from October 7 to 11, 2024. The five-day intensive training equipped participants with essential skills in Digital Skills, Cybersecurity, Emerging Technology (DiSCET), as well as Data Analysis and Visualization using modern tools like SPSS and Microsoft Power BI. These skills are pivotal for enhancing digital literacy and preparing the workforce to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy, one of the core pillars of the President’s agenda.

During the opening ceremony, the Provost of the College, Associate Professor Bertha Abdu Danja, represented by the Deputy Provost, Dr. AbdulRahman Mohammed Adamu, expressed profound gratitude to the NCC and DBI for their commitment to fostering digital empowerment in the education sector. The program, she noted, will enhance the capacity of the College’s staff, positioning them to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s growing digital economy, in line with the aspirations of President Tinubu’s government.

The DBI Coordinator, Mr. Abubakar Ajiya, and one of the facilitators, Professor Abubakar Usman, commended the College’s leadership for recognizing the value of digital skills training and for its collaboration with DBI to actualize this high-impact intervention. Mr. Ibrahim Adisa, who facilitated the DiSCET class, emphasized the importance of cybersecurity and digital skills in today’s academic environments, while Professor Usman provided in-depth training on data analysis and visualization, critical for modern educational and administrative practices.

Dr. Danga Luka Amos, the Director of Research and Development of the College and the Focal Person for the training, highlighted that the program marks a significant step towards realizing President Tinubu’s vision of a digitally proficient Nigeria. By equipping staff with cutting-edge digital skills, the College is aligning with global educational trends and embracing the digital future envisioned under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

This intervention underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering a digitally driven economy and creating opportunities for Nigerian institutions to thrive in the global digital ecosystem.

Signed:

Akin Ogunlade
Head, Public Affairs Unit
Digital Bridge Institute
October 13, 2024