The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has inked a strategic partnership with Nokia Solutions and Networks Nigeria so as to improve digital literacy and technical expertise among Nigerian youth. This landmark collaboration, revealed by Aminu Maina, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, signifies a crucial step towards empowering the nation’s workforce for the digital age.
Through this partnership, young Nigerians will have access to comprehensive training sessions covering cutting-edge 4G/5G radio and transmission technologies. The initiative, set to be conducted nationwide at the Commission’s Digital Parks, underscores NCC’s commitment to fostering a skilled workforce capable of navigating the rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape.
Central to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NCC and Nokia Nigeria is the establishment of a state-of-the-art 5G/4G test lab. Leveraging Nokia’s latest advancements in radio and transmission technologies, this facility will serve as a vital hub for hands-on learning and experimentation.
Maina emphasized that this collaboration aligns with NCC’s vision to enhance the capacity and skills of Nigerians, ensuring they remain competitive in the global digital economy. Furthermore, Nokia’s commitment to establishing a dedicated training center underscores its dedication to nurturing local talent and fostering digital inclusion.
In addition to the technical training, Nokia Nigeria will embark on an ambitious initiative to train 200 Nigerian students. This initiative, part of the broader effort to boost digital literacy championed by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, aims to cultivate a pool of skilled professionals across the nation’s six geopolitical zones.
The partnership between NCC and Nokia comes at a pivotal moment as Nigeria pursues its digital transformation agenda outlined in the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS). With a goal of achieving 90% digital literacy by 2030, initiatives such as this play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide and propelling Nigeria towards becoming a global digital powerhouse.
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, underscored the importance of inclusive digital literacy efforts. He emphasized that digital literacy is not solely for the youth but extends to all demographics, ensuring that every Nigerian has the foundational skills needed to thrive in the digital era.
As Nigeria continues its journey towards digital empowerment, partnerships like the one between NCC and Nokia serve as beacons of progress, paving the way for a future where every citizen can harness the transformative power of technology.
