The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in a strategic partnership with the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), on Monday launched the ITU Digital Transformation Centre (DTC) Train-the-Trainer Programmed in Jos, Plateau State.
The initiative marks the official rollout of the North Central Pilot phase of the programmed.
According to Dr. Paulinus Okechukwu Ugwoke, the
ITU DTC Programmed Coordinator, DBI, the initiative is part of coordinated efforts to support inclusive digital capacity building across Nigeria.
“This initiative is closely aligned with the Federal Government of Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda, as championed by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE),” Dr. Ugwoke said.
The Ministry’s mandate includes driving universal access to digital technologies, advancing ICT integration across sectors, fostering growth within the digital economy, and promoting inclusive digital skills development – all of which resonate with the objectives of the DTC programmed.
He pointed out that the initiative was designed to reduce digital exclusion,
expand equitable access to digital opportunities, advance inclusive digital skills, and empower underserved and vulnerable communities.
The programmed is also structured to be inclusive and serve a wide range of stakeholders.
According to Ugwoke, the programmed will effectively focus on trainers and instructors, digitally excluded citizens, community leaders, Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), and the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
Speaking at the opening session, the President/CEO of the DBI, Mr. David Daser, reiterated the inclusive intent of the programmed, noting that participants were drawn from different parts of the region with varied academic and professional backgrounds.
While encouraging the participants to fully participate in the programmed, Daser described them as future ambassadors of digital transformation who will extend the impact of the training to citizens throughout the region.
He also emphasized that the programmed values commitment, curiosity, and readiness to learn, regardless of prior technical expertise.
The areas of coverage include Introduction to Cybersecurity and Cybersecurity Essentials, while the training will equip participants with foundational knowledge and practical competencies essential for navigating today’s dynamic digital landscape.
Through a Train-the-Trainer model, participants are empowered not only with technical skills but also with the capacity to serve as knowledge multipliers within their institutions and communities, thus strengthening regional digital resilience.
To ensure broad accessibility and accommodate diverse learning preferences, the programmed is delivered through multiple modalities including:
Face-to-Face (F2F) sessions, Online instructor-led sessions, Blended learning (combining in-person and virtual instruction), and online self-paced learning.
The sessions are facilitated by DBI subject matter experts, whose expertise continues to enhance the quality and relevance of the training, ensuring delivery consistent with international best practices.
The North Central Pilot phase represents a critical milestone in DBI’s sustained commitment to advancing national digital capacity development in collaboration with global and national partners, including ITU and Cisco.
The partnership reinforces ongoing efforts to deepen cybersecurity awareness, promote inclusive digital participation, and build a digitally competent workforce that supports Nigeria’s broader digital economy goals and national development agenda.
Written By: Soji-Ezekiel Fagbemi.
