DBI Dual ITU Status Gives Nigeria Digital Skills Advantage — NCC
By Stella Enenche, Abuja
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has described the Digital Bridge Institute’s (DBI) dual recognition by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as a major opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s digital skills ecosystem and widen access to technology training.
NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman Dr. Aminu Maida stated this on Monday in Abuja when he received the Senior Digital Skills Officer of the ITU, Ms. Robyn Fysh, who visited the Commission alongside a DBI delegation led by its President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. David Daser.
Maida who was represented by the Director, Research and Development, Engr. Babagana Digima, said DBI’s designation as an ITU Digital Transformation Centre (DTC) had created fresh opportunities for collaboration in digital capacity development.
The Commission said it would work with DBI and the ITU to leverage the development to expand digital literacy programmes, particularly among underserved and vulnerable communities.
“DBI’s recognition as an ITU Digital Transformation Centre is a significant milestone for Nigeria’s digital skills ecosystem and an opportunity to expand access to digital literacy and capacity-building programmes across the country,” he said.
According to him, the development would help deepen efforts to equip Nigerians with the skills required to participate effectively in the digital economy while addressing gaps in access to digital education.
Maida, in a statement by the Director, Public Affairs Department, Mrs Nnenna Ukoha said the Commission would continue to collaborate with government agencies, state governments, development partners and other stakeholders to expand digital skills programmes nationwide.
“The NCC remains committed to initiatives that equip Nigerians with the skills needed to participate meaningfully in the digital economy. We will continue to work closely with relevant government agencies, state governments, development partners and other stakeholders to expand access to digital skills training and ensure that no community is left behind in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey,” he said.
Fysh, who commended the partnership between the NCC and ITU, said the collaboration had continued to support digital development and skills acquisition in Nigeria.
“The ITU values its strong partnership with the NCC and DBI, and we are encouraged by the progress being made to advance digital skills and inclusion in Nigeria,” she said.
She said the ITU Digital Transformation Centres initiative, launched in partnership with Cisco in 2019, had so far reached more than 870,000 participants globally, with women accounting for more than half of the beneficiaries.
Fysh said the initiative was focused on providing practical digital skills to people in underserved communities to improve their employability, entrepreneurship and participation in the digital economy.
“DBI’s new status as a Digital Transformation Centre will help strengthen efforts to empower more people with relevant digital skills and opportunities,” she added.
On his part, Daser thanked the NCC for its support, which he said contributed to DBI’s attainment of the ITU recognition.
“This achievement reflects the confidence of the ITU in DBI and the unwavering support of the NCC in advancing digital capacity development in Nigeria,” he said.
Daser said DBI had become the first institution globally to simultaneously hold the status of an ITU Academy Training Centre (ATC) and an ITU Digital Transformation Centre (DTC).
He urged the NCC to sustain its support for the initiative, saying its infrastructure, networks and partnerships could help extend digital skills training and certification opportunities to underserved communities.
