UAE And Nigeria Launch Strategic Partnership To Equip Youth With Essential Digital Skills For Future Opportunities

The Digital School, part of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), has formed a strategic alliance with Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Youth Development (FMYD). This collaboration aims to boost digital education in Nigeria, equipping young people with advanced skills for future opportunities. The initiative aligns with sustainable development and the rapid global digital transformation across various sectors.

Ayodele Olawande, Nigeria's Minister of Youth Development, highlighted the partnership's potential to open new opportunities in skills development, technology, and innovation for Nigerian youth. He expressed gratitude to the UAE Government and the Digital School for their ongoing support in advancing digital education both in Nigeria and globally.

Dr. Waleed Al Ali, Secretary-General of the Digital School, stated that their initiatives aim to empower youth by providing essential digital skills. This empowerment enhances job prospects, enabling active community participation and contributing to sustainable development. The goal is to create a more advanced and resilient future.

The partnership will focus on developing the "Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA)" into a leading platform for digital education and vocational training. Supported by the Digital School's "Skills Academies" initiative, this effort will prepare young Nigerians for practical careers across various fields.

The collaboration will integrate technology and artificial intelligence tools into education and training. This integration aims to develop a workforce ready for global digital transformation. It also seeks to enhance educational innovation, improve learning outcomes, and prepare educational systems for a technology-driven future.

The partnership offers targeted training programmes that help transition youth from learning to employment. These programmes create new opportunities, support entrepreneurship, and develop professional skills in Nigeria’s rapidly growing sectors.

Expanding Learning Opportunities Globally

Launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in November 2020 under MBRGI, the Digital School is the first accredited digital school of its kind. It empowers students through flexible learning options, offering high-quality blended and remote learning solutions. The school targets underprivileged communities worldwide.

The Digital School adopts a comprehensive approach to digital transformation in education by expanding learning opportunities through digital means. It has benefited over 750,000 students and trained more than 23,000 digital teachers globally. Educational content is available in seven languages: Arabic, English, French, Spanish, Kurdish, Portuguese, and Indonesian.

This strategic partnership between the UAE Digital School and Nigeria's FMYD marks an important step towards international collaboration in digital education. By inspiring learners with real opportunities for progress and success, it contributes to developing a skilled workforce capable of keeping pace with global innovation.

With inputs from WAM