22 January 2026
The Nigerian state of Benue has announced the rollout of a large-scale digital skills training initiative aimed at empowering youth and enhancing local digital capabilities. 
Through a social media post, the government revealed its goal to train approximately 23,000 young people every two years, as part of its broader strategy to develop a skilled digital workforce.
This ambitious program is the result of a recent strategic partnership with Cisco Networking Academy, a global leader in digital skills education and a subsidiary of Cisco Systems. The agreement was finalized during the recent Middle East and Africa conference held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and will leverage Cisco’s internationally recognized curricula to equip participants with skills that are highly sought after in the global digital economy.
The training curriculum will encompass areas such as computer networking, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital literacy, and other emerging technologies. By aligning local skills development with international standards, Benue aims to position its youth competitively in the rapidly evolving tech sector.
Reflecting on past efforts, the social media post highlighted that during its first year in office, the Benue government successfully trained 10,000 young people in digital skills. Additionally, over 40,000 civil servants received training in digital literacy and e-governance, aimed at improving the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of public services.
This initiative underscores Benue’s commitment to fostering a digital culture and building human capital capable of driving socio-economic growth through technology.
