Institute partners SBTS to create 50,000 jobs, upskill 5m youth by 2030 

The Digital Bridge Institute (FBI) is partnering US-based SBTS Group LLC to create 50, 000 immediate jobs and upskill over five million Nigerian youth by 2030.

The DBI and SBTS group have already announced the commencement of the official launch of the strategic partnership in Abuja this February, disclosing that the aim of the initiative was to equip the Nigerian youth with essential digital skills, and empower them to compete in the global job market.

As Nigeria’s digital economy rapidly expands, industries such as financial services, healthcare, entertainment, transportation, and ICT are witnessing unprecedented job creation.

However, significant skills gap remains, with millions of digital and ICT-related jobs going unfilled due to a shortage of qualified professionals. This collaboration, is therefore a direct effort to bridge this gap by providing advanced training in digital literacy, coding, and other high-demand skills in the labour and employment market.

According to a statement signed by the head, Public Affairs of the Institute, Akin Ogunlade, the effort is in alignment with the federal government’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020-2030) and the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative led by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy under the Minister, Dr. Bosun Tijani.

The partnership, according the President/CEO DBI, Mr. Daser David, seeks to upskill over five million Nigerian youth by 2030, and create about 50,000 direct and indirect jobs within a short time.

Mr. David, while emphasizing the transformative impact of the initiative said: “Nigerian youth are the catalyst for transforming our nation’s economic future. To pivot from an agriculture-dependent economy to a thriving digital landscape, they require targeted IT upskilling. 

Also, Evelyn Lewis, the CEO of SBTS Group, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to empowering Nigerian youth, adding, “Despite the negativity and sense of hopelessness often portrayed, there are abundant opportunities for youth in Nigeria. We are excited to collaborate with DBI in advancing the federal government’s agenda to train and equip unemployed youth with digital skills and comprehensive ICT knowledge, empowering them for a brighter future.”