The Federal Government of Nigeria has partnered with Coursera to provide free digital skills training for Nigerian youths in high-demand technology fields including Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, data science, cloud computing, and software engineering.
The initiative, launched under the Digital Training Academy (DTA), is part of the government’s broader plan to equip young Nigerians with globally competitive digital skills and improve access to technology-driven job opportunities.
According to reports, the Federal Government has fully funded 36,000 learning licences in partnership with Coursera and Pluralsight for the first phase of the programme, making it one of Nigeria’s largest government-backed digital skills investments.
The programme is expected to benefit thousands of Nigerian youths seeking careers in tech, remote jobs, freelancing, and the global digital economy.
Courses Available
Participants will reportedly receive access to training in:
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Cybersecurity
Data Science
Software Engineering
Cloud Computing
Product Management
UI/UX Design
IT Support
Business Analytics
Machine Learning
The courses are designed for both beginners and experienced learners looking to improve their digital skills.
Benefits of the Programme
Successful participants will enjoy:
Free access to premium Coursera courses
Globally recognised certificates
Flexible online learning
Access to courses from Google, IBM, Meta, and top universities
Career-focused digital skills training
Improved chances for international and remote job opportunities
The initiative also aligns with the Federal Government’s digital economy and youth empowerment agenda aimed at reducing unemployment and preparing Nigerians for the future workforce.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply, interested applicants are generally expected to:
Be Nigerian citizens
Have access to a smartphone or computer
Possess a valid email address
Have stable internet access
Show interest in technology and digital careers
Some advanced courses may require basic computer knowledge, although many programmes are beginner-friendly.
How to Apply
As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Government has not officially released a dedicated application portal for the newly announced Digital Training Academy programme.
However, interested Nigerians are advised to monitor official platforms of the Federal Ministry of Education, National Information Technology Development Agency, and Coursera for application updates.
Applicants can also check the official Coursera website below:
Previous FG-Coursera training programmes were coordinated through NITDA and related government digital skills platforms.
Why This Matters
With global demand for digital skills increasing rapidly, experts believe the partnership could help Nigerian youths compete internationally in technology and remote work sectors.
Many Nigerians have already reacted positively to the initiative online, describing it as a major opportunity for young people to gain valuable skills and internationally recognised certifications without financial barriers.