US Consul General in Nigeria Will Stevens has said that the US government is committed to supporting programs that will drive digital transformation in Nigeria.

Speaking while delivering a keynote address on the theme “Technology as an enabler and tool for empowerment” at the official opening of the Digital Expert Academy in Lagos, Stevens said the US government would continue to support programs that provide young people with quality technological learning. opportunities.

The consul general explained that the US strategy towards sub-Saharan Africa of the Biden administration aims to drive digital transformation and foster a digital ecosystem based on the Internet and open, interoperable, reliable and secure information and communication technology. .

The academy: Speaking about the Digital Experts Academy, which was established by 21st Century Technologies, the Consul General said:

  • “This initiative is investing in some of Nigeria’s richest resources: its youth. “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.”

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

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 world. 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 Academy seeks to create opportunities to train and upskill Nigerian youth in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, machine learning, cloud services, data science, and data center management, among other technological fields.