In Imo State, where around 19.3% of citizens live on less than $2.15 a day, the urgency to adapt to the digital economy can’t be overlooked.
News by PAB Team
20 MAY 2024
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The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has highlighted the significant impact digital skills can have on employment in developing countries like Nigeria, where digital job opportunities are expected to grow substantially. According to the report, by 2030, nearly 230 million jobs across sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills. These jobs, particularly in fields such as information technology, digital marketing, and software development, present a valuable opportunity for young Nigerians to escape poverty.
In Imo State, where around 19.3% of citizens live on less than $2.15 a day, the urgency to adapt to the digital economy can’t be overlooked. Recognizing this need, the Imo State government, led by Governor Hope Uzodinma, conceived the Imo Digital Economy Agenda (IDEA) 2022-2026. This agenda aims to expose Imo youth to digital literacy, equipping them with the relevant and in-demand skills necessary to thrive in today’s technology-driven world.
The Skill-Up Imo Programme is a free and comprehensive youth empowerment initiative launched by the Imo State Government to combat unemployment, and boost digital literacy.
Under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodinma and the guidance of Hon. Dr. Chimezie Paulinus Amadi, the Imo State Commissioner for Digital Economy and e-Government, the program is designed to uplift thousands of young people by empowering them with in demand digital skills.
Aligned with the Imo Digital Economy Agenda (IDEA) 2022-2026, the Skill-Up Imo Programme seeks to equip 300,000 youths with skills necessary for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) over the next three years.
However, beyond digital literacy, the core aim is poverty alleviation through job creation and self-employment. By offering extensive training in both technical and soft employability skills, the initiative prepares young people to seize job opportunities or launch their own businesses, reducing poverty levels and fostering economic growth in Imo State.
The primary goal of the programme is to address unemployment, which is one of the key drivers of poverty. Through Skill-Up Imo, the State government aims to achieve the following:
The SkillUp Imo Programme approaches boosting digital literacy through an extensive and diverse curriculum, aimed at equipping participants with both foundational and advanced digital skills. Among the skills taught are:
One of the SkillUp Imo Programme’s standout features is its emphasis on securing employment for graduates. Upon completing their training, participants are awarded tools necessary for their new careers, ensuring they are equipped to apply the skills they've acquired.
For instance, in the first two cohorts, hundreds of graduates from the computer appreciation course were awarded PCs, giving them a head start in their careers. Similarly, students who specialized in car tracking and CCTV maintenance were provided with the necessary tools for immediate implementation of their skills post-graduation.
Graduates from SkillUp Imo have already started making their mark, with major tech companies like Zinox Technologies and Konga Group conducting interviews and offering employment to numerous trainees.
The programme aims to ensure that 60% of graduates secure jobs, and this target is actively being pursued as tech companies seek out the newly skilled professionals.
Beyond direct employment, SkillUp Imo also emphasizes internship opportunities through a work-and-earn scheme, in collaboration with startups. This provides graduates with practical, hands-on experience while earning an income, further enhancing their employability in the competitive job market.
The programme fosters long-term growth through a robust alumni network, which supports continuous learning and career development. This network ensures that graduates remain connected, can exchange ideas, and access ongoing opportunities for professional advancement.
In addition, SkillUp Imo places a strong emphasis on mentorship. Graduates receive ongoing mentorship to help them navigate their early careers or entrepreneurial ventures, providing the support needed for long-term success in the tech industry.
The SkillUp Imo Programme has made significant strides in training and graduating large cohorts of students, each equipped with relevant digital skills needed for today’s tech-driven world.
Cohort 1 saw the graduation of 5,000 students. These graduates were trained in various disciplines, including front-end and back-end development, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and more. The skills acquired in these fields positions them for immediate employment while also empowering them to launch entrepreneurial ventures in the digital space.
Building on this success, Cohort 2 graduated 15,000 students by September 2023. This cohort was larger and even more impactful, with many graduates already securing jobs in reputable tech companies such as Zinox Technologies and Konga, two leading firms in Nigeria’s technology space. Many others have leveraged their skills to launch startups or pursue independent careers as freelancers in the tech industry.
Currently, Cohort 3 is underway and is split into two batches: Cohort 3A and Cohort 3B. Each batch is expected to train and graduate 20,000 students, bringing the total number for this cohort to 40,000 graduates.
With each phase of the programme, SkillUp Imo continues to expand its reach, equipping more youths with digital literacy skills that are critical in the fight against poverty in Imo State.
ConclusionDigital literacy is increasingly recognized as a critical tool in poverty reduction across Nigeria, as evidenced by the SkillUp Imo Programme. This initiative, part of the efforts by Governor Hope Uzodinma's administration, aims to improve the welfare of Imolites by combating poverty through digital literacy and skill development. With a significant portion of imolites living on less than $2.15 a day, the urgent need for sustainable economic solutions is clear.
The SkillUp Imo Programme addresses this challenge by equipping young people with in-demand digital skills that open doors to employment and entrepreneurship, ultimately contributing to poverty alleviation. By fostering a generation of skilled individuals, the programme creates pathways for financial stability and economic empowerment.
For more information on participation, you can visit the Ministry's website at mdeeg.im.gov.ng
