The Enugu State Government on Monday announced a strategic collaboration with leading technology conglomerates to train over 10,000 youths across the state in artificial intelligence, software engineering, and modern digital economy skills.
The Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation disclosed this during an interactive briefing with journalists and civil society stakeholders at the State Secretariat in Independence Layout, Enugu.
According to the Commissioner, the initiative forms part of Governor Peter Mbah's comprehensive development roadmap aimed at transforming the state into a premier technological innovation powerhouse within the West African sub-region.
"We are deliberate about equipping our energetic young population with competitive global capabilities," the Commissioner declared. "In today's fast-paced world, youth empowerment cannot rely on obsolete models. Our children must write software, build cloud architecture, and build products for global markets."
He explained that the training curriculum was specifically designed in conjunction with accredited multinational tech educators to ensure direct alignment with employer requirements and international certification standards.
The first phase of the program is scheduled to commence across three designated innovation hubs in Enugu North, Nsukka, and Awgu, guaranteeing equal access for participants from both urban centers and rural communities.
Stakeholders at the gathering commended the administration for prioritizing human capital development, describing the digital literacy drive as a vital prerequisite for sustainable poverty reduction and economic resilience.
One of the participating technology partners remarked, “Enugu possesses a massive reservoir of youthful creativity. With modern infrastructure, constant high-speed broadband, and dedicated mentorship, these young people will solve critical problems across finance, agriculture, and healthcare.”
Registration for the program opens next week via an open, merit-based portal, with fully funded scholarship placements provided for all accepted applicants.