The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology has adopted the GSM village apprenticeship model to train about 500,000 Nigerians within two years.

The Director General for the National Centre for Technology Management, Odusanya Olushola, who represented the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji disclosed this at the launch of ‘The TechAdvantage Nigeria Apprenticeship Workshop’ held in Abuja on Thursday.

The project approved by the government in February 2024 is in partnership with is targeted at empowering 500,000 Nigerians and creating two million jobs in two years.

The GSM Village Apprenticeship Model in Nigeria refers to a training programme designed to provide practical skills and knowledge to individuals interested in becoming mobile phone technicians. This initiative was developed to address the growing demand for skilled technicians capable of repairing and maintaining mobile phones, which are ubiquitous in Nigeria.

“Today, we aim to construct new knowledge about how we learn and how society grows using the GSM village apprenticeships model as a method of learning. We seek to bring new knowledge to society, enabling people to learn new skills and making those skills marketable and useful.

“What we’re promoting is a self-help approach where society learns in a non-conventional way, a form of evangelism where one person learns something and teaches another. This unconventional school allows people to gain practical knowledge, making them more productive within society.

“This initiative, driven by the Minister, has excellent sustainability prospects. The program’s circular flow ensures that funds are generated through training programs, and income earned is reinvested to train others, creating a self-sustaining model,” he said.

NACETEM and TechAdvantage have a close relationship, as the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology initiated the programme, and NACETEM is a partner, focusing on alternative education models to train people in innovation, science, and technology.

Also speaking at the unveiling, the Chief Executive Officer of Sapphital Learning Limited, Mr Amu Ogbeide stated, “We are committed to bridging the skill gap in Nigeria and creating employment opportunities for its citizens. Our apprenticeship programme is designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the tech industry.”

The TechAdvantage programme is a response to the country’s high unemployment rate and the need for skilled workers in the technology sector.

By providing online training and apprenticeships, Sapphital aims to reach a large number of Nigerians, especially in rural areas, and equip them with the skills needed to compete in the global tech industry.

“We believe that this programme will not only create jobs but also contribute to the growth of the Nigerian economy,” Ogbeide added.