The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology has embraced the GSM Village Apprenticeship Model to train approximately 500,000 Nigerians over the next two years.
This initiative, launched at the ‘TechAdvantage Nigeria Apprenticeship Workshop’ in Abuja on Thursday, aims to empower participants and generate two million jobs by 2026.
Representing Minister Uche Nnaji, Odusanya Olushola, Director General of the National Centre for Technology Management, outlined the project’s scope.
Approved by the government in February 2024, the initiative targets widespread skill development in partnership with various stakeholders.
The GSM Village Apprenticeship Model introduces a structured training program tailored for aspiring mobile phone technicians.
It responds to the escalating demand for skilled professionals capable of servicing Nigeria’s ubiquitous mobile phone market.
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“This model aims to revolutionize learning and societal growth through practical apprenticeships,” Olushola explained. “It fosters self-help learning and knowledge dissemination, promoting practical skills that enhance productivity and marketability.”
The Minister-led initiative emphasizes sustainability by establishing a self-sustaining cycle where revenues generated from training activities are reinvested to train new cohorts, ensuring continuous skill development.
Highlighting collaboration between NACETEM and TechAdvantage, Olushola underscored their commitment to alternative education models that promote innovation and technology training.
Amu Ogbeide, CEO of Sapphital Learning Limited, also spoke at the event, emphasizing their role in narrowing Nigeria’s skills gap and fostering employment in the tech sector.
Their apprenticeship program, designed to deliver online training and practical skills, targets widespread participation, particularly in rural areas.
“We envision this program not only creating jobs but also bolstering Nigeria’s economic growth,” Ogbeide affirmed.
The TechAdvantage initiative aligns with national efforts to combat unemployment and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global technology arena, reflecting a strategic investment in human capital development and economic empowerment.
