Microsoft has on Friday announced that it will be training at least five million Nigerians in efforts to create jobs and build the digital infrastructure of the country, Microsoft President, Brad Smith said. This comes weeks after the tech company launched $200 million African Development Centre in Lagos. Smith made the announcement during a visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja, disclosing that 60,000 persons have already enrolled for courses, while 300,000 have completed some courses.
"We pledge to train five million people in Nigeria in the future," Smith said.
Speaking, President Buhari lauded the development, saying Nigeria is ready to welcome initiatives and investments in digital technology.
"I have also been informed of Microsoft’s skilling initiative that aims to train five million citizens and provide 27,000 jobs over the next three years. These initiatives are commendable and I urge you to expand them and continue to prioritize Nigeria as you roll out your global initiatives," Buhari was quoted by Femi Adesina.
He noted that the Buhari-led administration is committed to promoting and providing a conducive environment for digital economy.
"Our emphasis on the development of our Digital Economy has also positioned the sector as a prominent factor in the Nigerian economy. As the fastest growing sector of the Nigerian economy in 2020, the Information and Communications Technology sector played a very important role in supporting our country to exit the recession triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We are keen to build on the momentum as we continue to implement our National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, along with other related policies," he added.
President Buhari said he looked forward to future partnerships with the tech company in building Nigeria's innovation ecosystem and digital infrastructure.
"I believe that this meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss how the Nigerian government can support the growth of your business here and how Microsoft can contribute to the growth of our economy through the active support of our policies and programmes," Buhari said.
