MTN Foundation Launches Digital Skills Academy to Empower Nigerian Youths

In a bold move to bridge the digital divide and boost youth employability, the MTN Foundation has officially launched its Digital Skills Academy—a transformative platform designed to equip Nigerian youths with essential digital competencies.

Speaking at the inauguration event held Thursday in Abuja, the Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, Mrs. Odunayo Sanya, emphasized that the initiative aligns with the Foundation’s core focus areas: education, health, and economic empowerment.

“This academy offers structured digital learning opportunities for young Nigerians, starting from secondary school up to professional certification,” Sanya said. “We’ve built a platform that is both accessible and impactful—featuring career-aligned psychometric assessments and more than 23 specialized learning paths.”

She underscored the Foundation’s commitment to inclusivity, noting that the goal is to reach underserved communities across Nigeria. “We don’t want this to stop at Abuja, Lagos, or Port Harcourt. We’re aiming for Gombe, Akwa Ibom, and rural communities across the country,” she said, adding that the Foundation aims to train at least three million Nigerians over the next five years through partnerships with government and other stakeholders.

Mr. Simon Aranonu, a Director at the Foundation, described the Digital Skills Academy as a vital step toward democratizing education. “Digital skills are the currency of the global job market. They shape how we work, learn, and grow,” he said.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, commended the Foundation for the timely initiative. “The MTN Skills Academy will not only improve digital literacy but expand the opportunities available to Nigeria’s youth,” he said, calling for stronger collaboration between public and private sectors to drive digital inclusion.

Echoing similar sentiments, Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande—represented by Mrs. Ebiho Agun, Deputy Director of Enterprise Development—described the academy as a “strategic launchpad” for nurturing future tech leaders.

“This is more than a launch; it’s a call to action. The MTN Digital Skills Academy is a bridge to opportunity and a spark for innovation among Nigeria’s next generation,” he said.

The event brought together key stakeholders from government, the private sector, and civil society—all united in the vision of a digitally empowered future for Nigerian youth.