The National Information Technology Development Agency, Nigeria is now prepared to close the skills gap in information technology by having the National Board for Technical Education unbundle computer science programs at polytechnics.
This was said by the Agency in a statement made public on Sunday by Mrs Hadiza Umar, Head of Corporate Affairs and External Relations.
“This visionary move is not just a game-changer in Nigeria’s Information Technology (IT) sector, it represents a seismic shift in equipping Nigerian graduates with in-demand skills crucial for navigating the digital revolution.
It added, “This development positions polytechnics at the centre of nurturing young Nigerians capable of tackling specific challenges and capitalizing on the vast opportunities presented by emerging technologies.”
The announcement stated that 12 IT skills were in demand in Nigeria and outside by NITDA through an IT Skills Gap Assessment carried out in collaboration with CC Hub.
NITDA stated that the government will be able to develop additional capabilities in these areas by unbundling the Computer Science curriculum into four specializations: Artificial Intelligence, Network & Cloud Computing, Software & Web Development, and Cybersecurity & Data Protection.
The Agency emphasized the need for collaboration between educational institutions, industry stakeholders, and regulatory bodies to ensure the successful implementation of these specialized fields.