• Benue State aims to train about 23,000 young people in digital skills every two years.

• The program relies on a partnership with Cisco Networking Academy.

• Authorities seek to improve employability and align local talent with global tech standards.

Nigeria's Benue State has launched a large-scale digital skills training program. On January 19, the local government announced on social media that it plans to train about 23,000 young people every two years.

The initiative relies on a strategic partnership signed last week with Cisco Networking Academy, a subsidiary of U.S. technology group Cisco. Officials concluded the agreement on the sidelines of the Middle East and Africa annual conference held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The agreement provides for the use of Cisco’s internationally recognized certified curricula to equip participants with skills in demand in “the digital labor market.” The training programs will cover computer networking, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital literacy, and other emerging technologies. Through the program, Benue authorities aim to align local profiles with global standards in the technology sector.

“During its first year in office, the state government announced the training of 10,000 youths in digital skills and the rollout of digital literacy and e-governance training for more than 40,000 civil servants, with the aim of improving efficiency and transparency in public services,” the social media post said.

BENUE STATE SIGNS CISCO DEAL TO BOOST DIGITAL SKILLS TRAINING

By Angula Bishop Reuben

Benue State has signed a strategic partnership with Cisco Networking Academy aimed at expanding digital skills training for young people and civil servants, as part of its wider push to… pic.twitter.com/JigI4zuuoo

— Benue State Government (@benuestategovt) January 19, 2026

Authorities view digital skills development as a lever to improve employability, facilitate access to remote jobs, and open opportunities in international technology markets without requiring geographic mobility. Over the medium term, the regular training of tens of thousands of young people is expected to help structure a local pool of digital talent.

This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum