• The Zamfara State government partners with Oracle to enhance digital proficiency among youth and professionals.
• The program, led by ZITDA, Oracle Academy, and Oracle University, includes free access to courses and certifications in cloud computing, AI, data science, and APEX development.

The government of Zamfara State in Nigeria has entered into an agreement with Oracle to advance the digital proficiency of its youth and professionals, marking a key step in the state's digital transformation strategy.

The partnership will be executed through the Zamfara Information Technology Development Agency (ZITDA), in collaboration with Oracle Academy and Oracle University. It encompasses complimentary access to online courses, professional certifications, and over 200 hours of instruction in critical fields such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data science, and APEX development.

"What we are undertaking today transcends mere technology – it is about instilling hope, generating opportunities, and unlocking the future," stated Dauda Lawal, the Governor of Zamfara State. "By investing in digital education and innovation, we are providing tangible alternatives to poverty, unemployment, and despair."

Through this focus on training, the Zamfara government aims not only to empower its citizens to engage in the digital economy but also to cultivate a proficient workforce. Highlighting the significance of this initiative, the World Bank projects that approximately 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will demand digital skills by the year 2030.

By Isaac K. Kassouwi,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji