Nigeria faces a significant digital skills gap, hindering its youth from participating in the global tech market. Despite possessing technical abilities, many young Nigerians lack the professional certifications required by international employers. The INGRYD Academy, recognizing this challenge, has launched a five-year initiative to train and certify 40,000 Nigerian youths in globally recognized tech skills. This ambitious program aims to bridge the skills gap and empower young Nigerians to compete on the global stage. The academy’s approach focuses on providing affordable, high-quality training coupled with internationally recognized certifications, addressing the key barrier to global employability for Nigerian tech talent.
The initiative is a strategic partnership between INGRYD and ISACA, a renowned global IT governance and certification body. This collaboration allows INGRYD to offer training and certification at a significantly reduced cost, making it accessible to a larger pool of aspiring tech professionals. The certifications, recognized in 190 countries, open doors to global job opportunities. This partnership tackles the financial hurdle that prevents many talented individuals from obtaining professional certifications, thus broadening access to global opportunities and significantly boosting their career prospects. INGRYD’s commitment to reducing the financial burden underscores the importance of making professional development accessible to a wider demographic.
The program addresses a critical need in the Nigerian tech landscape. Many young Nigerians, despite possessing technical skills, struggle to secure international employment due to the lack of recognized certifications. INGRYD’s CEO, Khadijat Abdulkadir, explains that the challenge isn’t a lack of skill, but rather the absence of credentials that validate their expertise in the eyes of international employers. The initiative tackles this problem head-on by providing both training and certification, ensuring that Nigerian tech talent meets global standards and becomes more competitive in the international job market.
The initiative offers a wide range of in-demand tech skills training, covering areas such as software engineering, data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. The comprehensive curriculum ensures participants acquire relevant and up-to-date skills aligned with industry demands, making them attractive candidates for various tech roles. The instructor-led approach emphasizes practical learning and interaction with industry professionals, providing a more effective learning experience. This focus on practical application, alongside daily interaction with instructors, distinguishes the program from self-paced learning models, providing a more immersive and effective learning experience.
INGRYD’s initiative extends beyond training and certification. Recognizing that visa requirements and other logistical challenges can hinder access to international opportunities, the academy provides support with visa applications and job placement. This comprehensive approach ensures that graduates are not only equipped with the necessary skills and certifications but also receive the necessary guidance to navigate the complexities of international employment. This holistic support system further strengthens the program’s impact, increasing the likelihood of successful career outcomes for participants.
The initiative directly addresses the issue of foreign talent recruitment in Nigeria. Many multinational companies operating within the country often hire foreign tech experts due to the perceived lack of qualified local professionals. By equipping Nigerian youths with internationally recognized certifications, INGRYD aims to reverse this trend, creating a pool of qualified local talent capable of filling these high-demand roles. This, in turn, contributes to economic growth and reduces reliance on foreign expertise. The program’s success will not only empower individuals but also strengthen the Nigerian technology sector, contributing to the overall development of the national economy. The academy’s strategic partnerships with organizations like CheckPoint further enhance the quality and relevance of its training programs.
