By Christian Appolos
In a strategic move to create thousands of job opportunities locally and globally, the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) has announced a transformative partnership with US-based SBTS Group LLC to equip Nigerian youth with the digital skills needed for global competitiveness.
The partnership between DBI and SBTS is designed to address Nigeria’s digital divide, reduce digital literacy deficits, and drive job creation. According to a statement by DBI’s Head of Public Affairs, Akin Ogunlade, this groundbreaking collaboration will leverage SBTS Group’s Intelligent Capacity Building Model (ICBM) and DBI’s reputation as Nigeria’s premier ICT capacity-building institute to provide cutting-edge training, infrastructure upgrades, and establish Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) hubs across DBI campuses.
These initiatives aim to empower millions of Nigerians with globally competitive skills and enhance the country’s participation in the global digital economy.
According to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), over 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030, creating nearly 650 million training opportunities. This highlights the importance and urgency of bridging Africa’s digital skills gap through initiatives like this partnership.
The partnership focuses on skill development and employment by training thousands of Nigerians in advanced digital and technical skills, providing job placements locally and internationally, and developing a robust pipeline of skilled professionals to bridge the digital skills gap in Nigeria.
Additionally, it emphasizes infrastructure upgrades and the establishment of tech resource centers and BPO hubs in Lagos, Enugu, Kano, and other DBI campuses. Trainees will also benefit from a campus-learning experience tailored to equip them with practical expertise.
President/CEO of DBI, Daser David, highlighted that the initiative would enhance Nigeria’s role in the global outsourcing market by creating high-value job opportunities. He noted that the collaboration aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes human capital development, job creation, and socio-economic transformation.
“This partnership supports the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative led by the Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, positioning Nigeria as a leading exporter of digital talent,” David said.
While emphasizing DBI’s dedication to closing the nation’s digital divide, he added: “Our partnership with SBTS aligns with our mission to foster digital skills and transform lives. By integrating Nigeria’s youth into the global technological workforce, we are laying the foundation for a thriving digital economy.”
Evelyn Lewis, CEO of SBTS Group, echoed the urgency of the partnership, stating: “Africa’s digital skills gap is a barrier to growth. By collaborating with DBI, we aim to close this gap, create jobs, and accelerate technology adoption, boosting productivity across sectors.”
As Africa’s largest economy with a burgeoning youth population, Nigeria is poised to lead the digital transformation across the continent. David emphasized that the growing demand for intermediate and advanced technical skills necessitates programs like the DBI-SBTS collaboration, which creates a sustainable framework for skill development.
Renovation and upgrades have already commenced at DBI campuses in Enugu and Kano, with plans to extend nationwide. These improvements will provide state-of-the-art facilities for delivering cutting-edge training programs.
The ICBM framework will enable DBI to offer advanced digital skills training, support the establishment of BPO centers, and create an ecosystem for innovation and growth.
David concluded: “This collaboration is a game-changer for Nigeria’s economy. By equipping job seekers with digital skills, the initiative enhances their employability and contributes to national development. Integrating digital talent into various sectors is expected to spur innovation, attract investments, and position Nigeria as a global hub for skilled digital professionals.”
