Benue State has signed a strategic agreement with the Cisco Networking Academy to train and certify 23,000 Nigerian youths in globally recognised digital skills, to develop a future-ready workforce and accelerate the digital transformation agenda.
The agreement was signed during the Cisco International Systems Middle East and Africa Annual Partners Conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, by the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC) and Cisco.
Gbande-HembaorTerwase, Group managing director and CEO of BDIC, described the relationship as a strategic investment in Benue's human capital, with the intention of positioning young people for opportunities in the global digital economy.
He said the partnership builds on existing programmes of the state government, noting that over 10,000 youths have already been enrolled in digital and technology-enabled skills training, while more than 40,000 civil servants are currently undergoing digital literacy and e-governance programmes.
With the signing of this MoU, the BDIC will begin the implementation of numerous digital empowerment programs across the state's three senatorial districts.
According to the deal, 23,000 youths would be trained biannually using Cisco's globally approved curricula in networking, cybersecurity, digital literacy, and emerging technologies.
Participants will receive internationally acknowledged credentials geared at improving employability, promoting remote work preparedness, and increasing access to global employment markets.
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