The Federal Government, in collaboration with Clergywealth Cooperative Society Limited, has announced plans to train one million Nigerians in digital literacy skills, with free laptops provided to successful beneficiaries. Reports suggest the target is no fewer than 100 million Nigerians.
The initiative was disclosed on Tuesday in Abuja by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, during the inauguration of the Joint Implementation Committee for the National Conference on Digital Literacy and the launch of the Clergywealth Digital Skills Nigeria Initiative.
Akume described the inauguration as a major step towards achieving the Federal Government’s target of 95 per cent digital literacy by 2030 and strengthening national workforce readiness. He spoke through the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr Ibrahim Kana, who represented him at the event.
According to Akume, the programme reflects a clear and strategic effort by the Federal Government to expand digital access and prepare Nigerians for the demands of a changing economy. He said, “This inauguration represents a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s deliberate and strategic commitment to deepening national digital literacy, strengthening human capital development, and promoting inclusive digital transformation in line with national development priorities.”
He further explained that the initiative aligns with key government policies and long-term plans. “This initiative aligns strongly with the Federal Government of Nigeria’s Digital Transformation Agenda, the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, and Nigeria’s commitment to achieving not less than 95% digital literacy by the year 2030,” he said.
Akume noted that the programme would be implemented under the Future Proof Economy Model and would focus on training and certifying one million Nigerians in its first phase. He clarified that while the initiative enjoys government policy alignment and institutional backing, Clergywealth Cooperative Society Limited is solely responsible for funding and implementation. “The federal government bears no financial obligation, budgetary provision or funding responsibility for the programme,” Akume stated.
He added that the initiative was further strengthened by decisions taken at the 13th National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy meeting held in December 2025. According to him, the council adopted the Future Proof Economy Model as the official framework for national digital literacy implementation across the country.
Akume also explained that the Joint Implementation Committee would be responsible for planning the National Digital Literacy Conference and coordinating the nationwide rollout of digital literacy and emerging skills training. He said the ICT Department of the Office of the SGF would serve as the secretariat to the committee to ensure smooth coordination and implementation.
Speaking at the event, Mrs Rosemary Osikoya, Deputy National Coordinator, Admin and Public Communications at Clergywealth, said the conference was designed to create awareness about the importance of digital skills while also delivering practical and hands-on training to participants.
Osikoya explained that the programme would cover basic digital literacy, the use of digital tools, online safety, digital entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. She said each batch of training would run for six months and include several learning modules, adding that participants would receive international certifications after completing the programme.
She said, “Beneficiaries who successfully complete the programme and certification process will be provided with laptop computers to support their productivity.” She added that the initiative is expected to train more than one million youths and prepare them for remote work and global employment opportunities in the digital economy.
Osikoya also announced that the Digital Literacy Academy and the Artisan Development Project would be launched during the two-day National Digital Literacy Conference scheduled for January 28 and January 29. She explained that Clergywealth Cooperative Society Limited is a humanitarian and empowerment-driven organisation focused on improving the living conditions of members of the clergy, civil society leaders, and rural dwellers across Nigeria, regardless of faith.
She added that the organisation operates microcredit schemes, job portals, and cooperative platforms designed to support economic empowerment and contribute to national development efforts.
The Joint Implementation Committee is chaired by Dr Ibrahim Kana and includes members such as Zainab Abubakar, Dr Ebi, Mr Ifeanyi Okereke, Joe Odoh, Dr Mohammed Tambuwal, Rosemary Osikoya, and Dr Grace Amaefule. Other members are Dr Olobashola Kolawole, Bayo Onimode, Mercy Ohikhena, Dr Niran Oyekale, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the Federal Ministry of Education, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, TETFund, NITDA, state representatives, ICT professionals, and civil society organisations.
(This report has been updated)
