FG commits to ICT talent dev’t – Minister

Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology has reiterated the Federal Government’s readiness to foster development of talent in the ICT sector.

He said this during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the ministry and the Association of Computer Village Technology Merchants, on Wednesday in Abuja.

“The MoU we are signing today is a crucial step toward our shared goal of reducing imports into Nigeria and fostering talent development in the ICT sector.

“We are committed to seeing this MoU successfully implemented, and as such the permanent secretary will establish a committee comprising representatives of both parties, to begin working on the implementation details,” he said.

According to Nnaji, the MoU aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s 8-Point Agenda, particularly in the area of job creation and economic growth.

He said the economic success and industrial leadership of nations and corporations were primarily fueled by Science, Technology and Innovation (STI).

The minister said that substantial investments in STI were not only responsible for driving continuous productivity growth, but also pave way for inclusive and sustainable industrial advancement.

He said that countries like China, India, Malaysia and Brazil, leveraged STI in transition from poverty to their current level of economic growth.

“By harnessing the power of STI, we aim to address poverty, create wealth, generate employment and redefine traditional values,” Nnaji said.

Earlier, Mr Anthony Nwakeze, President of the association, expressed optimism that the MoU would help to fast track and elevate the expertise of the technicians at the computer village.

This, he said, would also help with certification of the technicians to be nationally and internationally exposed and recognised.

Nwakeze acknowledged that lack of certifications was behind the slow progress of the technicians, who are good on the job.