…youths to get training on cyber security, digital marketing, others
By Micheal Oche
The Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) and the Small Business Training Solutions (SBTS), a United States based group, on Monday officially launched their partnership targeted at addressing digital skills gap for Nigerian youth.
“Today, we take a bold step towards addressing one of our nation’s most pressing priorities, youth empowerment, and job creation through digital skills development,” President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of DBI, David Daser said in his address at the launch.
According to him, the program will focus on entrepreneurship, digital marketing, software development, cybersecurity, and business management, ensuring that the youths are not only skilled but also competitive in the global market.
The CEO said the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and the 3MTT program of the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, an initiative designed to cultivate a skilled workforce that will drive Nigeria’s digital economy and establish the country as a global tech hub.
He emphasized that the Institute recognizes that greater impact requires collaboration, which necessitated the partnership with SBTS.
Daser said the partnership is not just a milestone, but a game changer, adding that “Together, we will provide high-quality, practical training that empowers young Nigerians to build sustainable careers, launch businesses, and become job creators rather than job seekers.”
He said, “Beyond skills training, this partnership will offer mentorship, access to funding opportunities, and business incubation support, ensuring a seamless transition from training to employment or entrepreneurship. This is the kind of initiative that will help Nigeria unlock the full potential of its youthful population.”
He called for more collaboration between government agencies, private sector leaders, and all stakeholders in making digital skills training and youth empowerment a national priority.
Also speaking, SBTS Chief executive officer, Mr Evelyn Lewis said the collaboration with DBI is not just a strategic alliance, but a bold commitment to advancing capacity building, digital education, and job creation across Nigeria and beyond.
He said, “The world is rapidly evolving, and in today’s digital economy, the ability to adapt and equip ourselves with relevant skills determines not only individual success but national progress. We recognize that Africa holds immense talent, yet access to structure and scalable training programs remains a challenge. This is the gap we are here to fill.
He explained that SBTS goal is to create 100,000 new digital jobs in Africa over the next five years.
He said the partnership will create an innovative, scalable, and sustainable model that provides globally competitive training programs that are not only theoretical but hands-on and industry-driven.
According to him, it will also bridge the skills gap by aligning learning outcomes with employer needs, ensuring graduates are job-ready; creates real job opportunities by linking trained professionals with employment pipelines, including internships, outsourcing engagements, and entrepreneurship support.
He said, “Let me emphasize that this partnership is not just about skills development; it is about economic empowerment, digital inclusion, and Africa’s competitiveness in the global economy. Together, DBI and SBTS Group are not just training professionals—we are building the workforce of the future.”
