Nigeria leaps forward: NBTI, CIRPS partner to upskill Nigerians in emerging tech

Stanley Ihedigbo

National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) has partnered with the Inter-University Research Centre for Sustainable Development (CIRPS), Italy, to deliver tuition-free diploma courses in emerging technologies to Nigerians.

The landmark initiative aimed to advance digital literacy and workforce readiness in Nigeria, aligning with the European Commission’s digital transformation framework.

According to the Chief Information & Public Relations Officer, NBTI, Olajumoke David, the six-month diploma programs will cover cutting-edge technologies, including, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, Virtual, and Augmented & Mixed Reality.

Also, CGI Animation, 3D Animation, 2D Animation, Business Intelligence Analysis, Agile Scrum Product Management, Product Design (Agile & Kanban Environments), and Internationally Recognized Certifications.

In his remarks, Director General/CEO of NBTI, Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, expressed strong institutional support for the partnership, noting its alignment with NBTI’s strategic pivot toward emerging technologies.

He cited recent initiatives such as the Nextgen Innovation Challenge, which not only targets innovative Nigerian talents but also focuses on upskilling NBTI personnel.

He explained that the participants will receive professional certifications recognized globally, preparing them for remote or on-site employment and entrepreneurship in today’s digital economy.

“The partnership aims to train one million Nigerians, with NBTI’s expansive presence in all 36 states, 15 extensions, and six regional centers ensuring infrastructure, mentorship, and post-training support.

“This collaboration marks a bold step toward empowering digitally skilled Nigerians to compete and thrive globally. Also, the partnership aligns with NBTI’s focus on emerging technologies, as seen in initiatives like the NextGen Innovation Challenge,” he assured.

Raji stressed that the programme will address the pressing need for digital skills development in Nigeria, providing opportunities for Nigerians to acquire in-demand skills.