United States Consul General, Will Stevens has said that the U.S. government is committed to supporting programs that provide youth with quality technological learning opportunities.
Consul General Stevens who delivered a keynote speech on the theme ‘Technology as an Enabler and Tool for Empowerment’ made this known at the official opening of the Digital Expert Academy in Lagos.
Consul General Stevens explained that the Biden Administration’s U.S. Strategy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa aims to drive digital transformation and foster a digital ecosystem built on open, interoperable, reliable, and secure internet and information and communication technology.
“This initiative is investing in some of Nigeria’s richest resources – its young people, we hope that by developing local talent in tech fields, we help accelerate medium and long-term growth in Nigeria’s and indeed Africa’s digital economy,” he added.
Founded by 21st Century Technologies, the Digital Expert Academy seeks to create opportunities to train and upskill young Nigerians in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, machine learning, cloud services, data science, data center management among other tech fields.
Chairman & CEO, 21st Century Technologies Group, Wale Ajisebutu, explained that the Digital Expert Academy will help bridge the gap between youth and employers by better connecting young people with the changing needs of the private sector and the skills needed to succeed in the digital economy.
Ajisebutu added that the academy will partner with leading American tech companies such as Microsoft and Oracle to provide trainees with world class learning opportunities. The academy, he added, is open to youth who are at least 18 years of age with minimum of a high school diploma.