In a bid to position its young population for the demands of a rapidly evolving digital economy, the Edo State Government has rolled out an ambitious technology training programme targeting 800 youths across the state. The initiative, a six-month Advanced Job Ready Tech Skills Training, was officially flagged off in Benin on Wednesday, signalling a renewed push by the state to equip students with competencies that extend beyond traditional classroom learning.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, described the programme as a strategic investment in human capital, noting that technology has become a decisive factor in determining employability in today’s global market. According to him, participants will undergo intensive training designed to sharpen their digital capabilities and prepare them for opportunities both within and outside Nigeria. “We are going to be certifying about 800 of our students in tech skills so that we can give them opportunities in the international space,” Iyamu said.
The programme, implemented in partnership with Google and DeepTech Ready, is expected to expose beneficiaries to advanced, job-ready digital competencies, enabling them to compete effectively in the global workforce. Education officials say the collaboration reflects the state government’s commitment to aligning learning outcomes with modern labour market needs, while empowering youths to become creators and innovators in the digital economy rather than mere consumers. For many participants, the training represents more than a certificate — it offers a pathway to relevance in a world increasingly shaped by technology.
