DON: YOUTH DIGITAL SKILLS KEY TO NEXT ECONOMY

A university don has stressed the importance of equipping young people with digital skills, describing them as essential for preparing Nigeria’s workforce for the demands of the emerging economy.

The academic noted that rapid technological advancement is transforming industries, changing how businesses operate and creating new employment opportunities that require digital competence. He urged governments, educational institutions and private sector organisations to prioritise digital education and practical training for young Nigerians.

According to him, young people who acquire relevant digital skills will be better positioned to compete for jobs, establish businesses and participate in the growing global digital economy. Skills in areas such as software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, digital marketing, artificial intelligence and cloud computing are increasingly relevant across different sectors.

He also emphasised the need to bridge the digital skills gap by making training opportunities more accessible, particularly for young people in underserved communities. Limited access to reliable internet, digital devices and affordable training programmes remains a challenge for many Nigerians seeking to develop technology-related competencies.

The don argued that educational institutions must adapt their teaching methods to reflect changing workplace demands. He called for stronger collaboration between universities, technical institutions and industry players to ensure that graduates acquire practical skills that employers need.

Beyond formal employment, digital skills can also support entrepreneurship by enabling young people to develop digital products, provide online services and reach customers beyond their immediate communities. This could create additional opportunities for income generation and business growth.

He further urged policymakers to invest in digital infrastructure and programmes that encourage innovation, noting that the benefits of technological advancement would depend partly on the country's ability to prepare its population for new opportunities.

As Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy and address youth unemployment, stakeholders have continued to highlight digital education as an important tool for improving productivity and competitiveness.

The don maintained that sustained investment in digital skills development would help prepare young Nigerians for the next phase of economic transformation, while enabling them to participate more effectively in an increasingly technology-driven world.