Lakes––On Monday, US Consul General Will Stevens joined representatives of top US tech companies, Nigerian tech and business leaders for the official opening of the Digital Experts Academy in Lagos.

Founded by 21st Century Technologies, Digital Expert Academy seeks to create opportunities to train and upskill young Nigerians in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, machine learning, cloud services, data science, data center management, among other fields. technological.

In his keynote address on the theme “Technology as an Enabler and Tool for Empowerment,” Consul General Will Stevens noted that the US government is committed to supporting programs that provide young people with quality technology learning opportunities. . He highlighted the importance of technological skills for Nigeria’s future prosperity and economic competitiveness.

Consul General Stevens explained that the Biden administration’s US strategy towards sub-Saharan Africa aims to drive digital transformation and foster a digital ecosystem based on the Internet and information and communication technology that is open, interoperable, reliable and safe.

“This initiative is investing in some of Nigeria’s richest resources – its youth,” said Consul General Stevens. “We hope that by developing local talent in technology fields, we will help accelerate medium to long-term growth in the digital economy of Nigeria, and indeed Africa.”

21st Century Technologies Group President and CEO Wale Ajisebutu explained that the Digital Expert Academy will help bridge the gap between youth and employers by better connecting youth with the changing needs of the private sector and the skills needed to succeed. in the digital economy. .

He added that the academy will partner with major US technology companies, such as Microsoft and Oracle, to provide students with world-class learning opportunities. The academy, she added, is open to youth who are at least 18 years old with a minimum of a high school diploma.

The US Mission supports Nigeria’s thriving tech scene and encourages the creation of the enabling environment necessary to nurture an industry that contributes to a more prosperous future for all its citizens.