Launched in September 2023, the programme has witnessed an
overwhelming response, with hundreds of thousands of business owners, aspiring
business owners, working-class professionals and jobseekers expressing keen
interest in developing their digital skills, enhancing their employability and
deepening their business management skills.
The FGN/ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme for MSMEs aimed
to train 2,000,000 Nigerian youth and 1,000,000 Micro, Small, and Medium
Enterprises (MSMEs), with a diverse range of digital skills. These skills
include software engineering, product management, business analysis, cloud
computing, product design, and more. Applicants of the FGN/ALAT Digital
Skillnovation Programme can anticipate a holistic experience beyond virtual
training as they will be exposed to hands-on physical training conducted at cutting-edge
digital hubs strategically located nationwide.
Announcing the launch of the virtual training for the first
cohort of 270,000 participants, MD/CEO of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, highlighted
the transformative opportunity the programme represents for business owners,
aspiring entrepreneurs, job seekers, and professionals across Nigeria.
“Beyond mere skill
acquisition, this programme is set to create a ripple effect of socioeconomic
benefits across the nation. By empowering our youth, we are not just fostering
individual successes; we are investing in the broader narrative of national progress,
promoting job creation, boosting innovation, and paving the way for a more
prosperous future.
“At its core, the FGN-ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme
aims to build a marketplace for young entrepreneurs, providing digital skills
that open doors to sustainable career development and expose small-scale
business owners to funding and grants. Successful applicants will experience
four months of learning on a tailored track, choosing between the SME route or
the employment route. Overall, the FGN/ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme is
more than just a training initiative; it’s a comprehensive ecosystem designed
to foster innovation, growth, and success, shaping the next generation of
Nigerian entrepreneurs and professionals,” Oseni concluded.
Wema Bank noted that as the virtual training begins, the
FGN/ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme heralds a new era of digital
empowerment. Upon completion of both virtual and physical trainings,
participants will gain exclusive access to one-on-one mentorship sessions with
esteemed professionals and business leaders from Nigeria and across the globe.
This unique opportunity fosters networking, allowing participants to connect
with peers and industry leaders, and cultivate valuable relationships. Furthermore,
the programme opens doors to internship placements, providing a platform to
gain practical experience and refine skills within a real-world work
environment.
Entrepreneurs will be granted the chance to showcase their
products and services to a wider audience through an e-commerce platform and
secure exhibition slots at major international and local trade fairs and
exhibitions. To bolster the growth and scalability of their businesses,
participants, particularly entrepreneurs, can tap into various funding
opportunities made available through the program.
“The FGN/ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme, therefore,
transcends conventional training by creating a comprehensive ecosystem that
nurtures skills, mentorship, networking, practical experience, market
visibility, and financial support. It is poised to make a profound impact on
the youth and MSMEs in Nigeria. This initiative underscores Wema Bank’s
commitment to nurturing innovation and fostering a digitally inclusive future
for the nation. As the programme progresses, it is anticipated to be a catalyst
for positive change, driving economic growth and shaping the landscape of
digital proficiency in Nigeria,” a statement from three Bank further said.
It added that the call for entries was still open, and
interested applicants can apply to gain access to the program via
https://fg-skillnovation.alat.ng/ and gain access to their dashboard at
https://fgnalat.getfundedafrica.com/portal/ for the virtual training using
their email as the username and “Login” as the case-sensitive password.