Google has announced a big plan to teach 20,000 Nigerian women and youth important digital skills. They will also give a large grant of 1.2 billion naira $1.6 million to help the government create one million digital jobs in the country.
Granting Millions of Jobs
Google has unveiled an extensive plan to equip 20,000 Nigerian women and youth with essential digital skills while also extending a substantial grant of 1.2 billion nairas (equivalent to $1.6 million) to support the government's endeavor in generating a staggering one million digital job opportunities within the nation.
Reuters reported that this initiative is part of a larger skills development program supported by Google.org, aiming to empower an additional 20,000 women and young individuals across Nigeria with modern skills that position them for opportunities within the digital and creative sectors.
In tandem with Google's initiative, Nigeria has its sights set on cultivating a robust landscape of digital employment opportunities tailored to its burgeoning youth population. Vice President Kashim Shettima, in a meeting held in Abuja with Google Africa executives, emphasized the country's commitment to fostering digital job prospects.
While specifics about the timeline for these job creations were not provided by Shettima, the shared objective of Google and Nigeria to empower the younger generation through digital skills and employment opportunities remains resolute.
The program will be facilitated by a grant from Google's philanthropic arm, in collaboration with Data Science Nigeria and the Creative Industry Initiative for Africa, as conveyed by Google Africa executives. Shettima highlighted the congruence between Google's initiative and the government's dedication to enhancing youth engagement within the digital economy.
Training Program Facilitators
Fagen Wassani reported that by collaborating with Data Science Nigeria and the Creative Industry Initiative for Africa, Google will partner to make the training program possible. Google's director for West Africa, Olumide Balogun, affirmed that the company is dedicated to investing funds and delivering digital skills to strengthen women, youth, and startups in Nigeria.
In a clear demonstration of Google's dedication, this initiative emphasizes its strong support for propelling Africa's digital evolution and equipping individuals with the essential competencies essential for thriving in the digital economy. Through strategic partnerships, Google is set to foster positive transformations among Nigeria's youth, fostering not only personal growth but also catalyzing economic progress within the country.
Google Africa's Director of Government Relations and Public Policy, Mr. Charles Murito, reiterated the company's unwavering commitment to investing in digital infrastructure across Africa. He highlighted that the continent's digital transformation holds the potential to create targeted technology jobs, aligning with Google's vision.
Meanwhile, The Guardian (Nigeria), the Kaduna State government, in partnership with Google, announced a joint initiative to train 5,000 women and girls in data science, artificial intelligence, and the entrepreneurial application of digital technologies.
