The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) is the foremost and unified voice of Nigerian students, representing millions across our nation’s tertiary institutions. As a body committed to the advocacy of student welfare and national development, NANS consistently works toward initiatives that promote sustainable growth, education, and empowerment for the youth of Nigeria.
We hereby bring to the attention of the Ministry of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy the urgent need for clarity and action concerning its Digital Talent Development Initiative, which is poised to equip 3 million tech professionals by 2030. This ambitious initiative is intended to bolster Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global digital economy, yet despite its prominence in government policy, there has been a notable absence of actionable steps and a clear implementation framework.
The significance of this initiative cannot be overstated. It promises not only to address Nigeria’s growing need for skilled professionals in critical digital fields such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and software development but also to empower Nigerian students to take part in a globally competitive workforce. However, the lack of tangible progress on this front represents a missed opportunity for millions of Nigerian youth who are eager to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s digital transformation.
Given the pressing need to act swiftly and effectively, NANS calls for immediate attention to this matter. The continued delay in the roll-out of these programs threatens to undermine the very goals set forth for the future of Nigeria’s digital economy. As representatives of the student body, we believe that students must be at the forefront of these initiatives, actively participating in the transformation that they will ultimately drive.
NANS Demands
In light of the Ministry’s public commitment to the Digital Talent Development Initiative, NANS hereby issues the following demands for immediate action:
1. Publication of a Detailed Implementation Roadmap
It is imperative that the Ministry promptly provides a comprehensive, detailed roadmap outlining the implementation process for the Digital Talent Development Initiative. This plan must clearly define specific programs, timelines, partnerships, funding sources, and measurable milestones to achieve the target of training 3 million tech professionals by 2030. The roadmap must also address the regional inclusivity of the programs, ensuring that students from all corners of Nigeria, including underserved and rural areas, have equitable access to the opportunities provided.
2. Prioritization of Nigerian Students
The Ministry must ensure that Nigerian students, particularly those in tertiary institutions, are prioritized in this initiative. NANS calls for immediate collaboration with relevant educational bodies to integrate digital skills training into existing academic structures, ensuring that Nigerian youth are not left behind as other nations advance their digital economies. Additionally, the curriculum must be designed to be adaptable to the evolving demands of the digital economy, preparing students for the global marketplace.
3. Commitment to Transparency and Accountability
To guarantee the successful execution of this ambitious initiative, the Ministry must implement regular progress updates and commit to quarterly public reports on the status of the project. These reports must be accessible to the public and should provide a clear overview of the resources expended, progress made, and challenges encountered. Transparent data will enable NANS and other stakeholders to hold the Ministry accountable and ensure that the project remains on track.
4. Involvement of NANS in Program Design and Monitoring
As the primary representative body for Nigerian students, NANS must be actively involved in the design, execution, and monitoring of the Digital Talent Development Initiative. We demand an official partnership with the Ministry, whereby NANS plays a key role in identifying and selecting beneficiaries, providing feedback on the content of digital programs, and evaluating the programs’ effectiveness. This collaboration will ensure that the initiative aligns with the real needs and aspirations of Nigerian students.
Consequences of Inaction
In the event that the Ministry of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy fails to take prompt action on these critical demands within the stipulated 14-day timeframe, NANS will be compelled to initiate a national mobilization campaign to ensure that the voices of Nigerian students are heard. The following actions will be taken if there is no visible progress or response from the Ministry:
1. Nationwide Peaceful Demonstrations
NANS will organize peaceful protests across all major cities and universities in Nigeria to draw attention to the Ministry’s and the Ministers failure to prioritize the future of Nigerian youth.
2. Mass Mobilization for Accountability
NANS will leverage its extensive network of students to raise awareness and mobilize students for mass participation in advocacy efforts aimed at compelling the Ministry to act. This will include organizing rallies, petitions, and strategic partnerships with civil society organizations like the National Youth Council of Nigeria to amplify our calls for the urgent implementation of digital talent programs.
3. Petitions to National and International Stakeholders
NANS will escalate the matter by formally submitting petitions to national government bodies, as well as international organizations, to underscore the Ministry’s lack of accountability. We will engage with key international stakeholders, including digital economy influencers, educational organizations, and development partners, to urge intervention and support for the program’s urgent implementation.
4. World Press Conference and Public Awareness Campaign
A coordinated World Press Conference will be launched to highlight the delays in the Ministry’s digital talent initiatives. NANS will work with journalists, bloggers, and social media influencers to generate widespread public discourse, pressuring the government to act swiftly in the interest of Nigeria’s future workforce.
The consequences of continued inaction are clear: Nigerian students will be left without the necessary skills to contribute to and benefit from the growing digital economy, further exacerbating the nation’s unemployment crisis and economic underdevelopment. NANS is committed to ensuring that the Ministry upholds its responsibilities to the youth of this nation. We will not relent in holding the government accountable until the promises made to Nigerian students are fully realized.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that the youth of this nation have access to the opportunities and resources required to thrive in the rapidly evolving global digital economy. The Digital Talent Development Initiative represents a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s development, and we are resolute in holding the Ministry of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy accountable for its implementation.
We firmly believe that empowering Nigerian students with digital skills is crucial not only for the growth of our nation but for our rightful place in the global digital landscape. The success of this initiative is not merely a policy goal; it is a matter of national urgency. Nigerian students stand ready to contribute to the advancement of our digital economy, provided they are given the tools, resources, and opportunities to do so.
NANS calls on the Ministry to act swiftly, transparently, and collaboratively to ensure the full implementation of this critical program. We are prepared to work alongside the Ministry to ensure that the goals of the Digital Talent Development Initiative are realized. However, should these demands continue to be ignored, we will take every necessary step to protect the interests of Nigerian students and ensure that our voices are heard.
The time for action is now!! The future of Nigeria’s youth is at stake, and NANS will not rest until the promises made are fulfilled.
Yours in Struggle,
Comrade Sadiq SK Zango CCS, CNS, MNCS
National Director of Research and Innovation
National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)
Tel: +2347032624119
Email: Nansndri01@gmail.com
Good move… Kudo to NAN…