DBI, SBTS Group to create 50,000 jobs, upskill 5 million Nigerian youth by 2030

The Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) has entered into a strategic partnership with U.S.-based SBTS Group LLC to equip five million Nigerian youths with digital skills and generate 50,000 digital jobs by 2030. This collaboration is a crucial step toward addressing Nigeria’s digital skills gap and enhancing employment opportunities in the country.

Akin Ogunlade, DBI’s Head of Public Affairs, stated that this initiative is aligned with the Federal Government’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020-2030) and the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program spearheaded by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy. The official launch is set to take place in Abuja later this month.

DBI’s President and CEO, Daser David, highlighted that Nigerian youths play a vital role in transforming the country into a globally recognized digital hub. He emphasized that the program is designed to equip young people, particularly those from underserved communities, with foundational digital literacy and in-demand vocational skills. This will empower them to succeed in the evolving job market while fostering inclusive economic development.

A key feature of this collaboration is the establishment of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) centers across DBI campuses nationwide. These centers will serve as employment hubs for thousands of Nigerians in fast-growing digital fields such as cybersecurity, software development, data analytics, and cloud computing.

SBTS Group CEO, Evelyn Lewis, underscored the initiative’s potential impact, stressing that while youth unemployment remains a pressing challenge, Nigeria’s digital economy presents vast untapped opportunities. She expressed excitement about partnering with DBI to provide Nigerian youths with globally competitive ICT skills that will enhance their career prospects in the digital workforce.

The program will integrate digital skills training into vocational education, introduce hands-on learning systems, and actively engage both public and private sector employers in creating digital job opportunities. Training sessions have already commenced at DBI’s Enugu and Kano campuses, with plans for a nationwide rollout in the coming months.

SBTS Group is committed to providing both financial and technical resources to ensure the program delivers industry-standard training that prepares participants for international career opportunities. Beyond employment, the initiative will also promote digital entrepreneurship, equipping young Nigerians with the knowledge and tools necessary to establish and grow their businesses in the digital economy.

With over 400 new digital courses, intensive practical training, and extensive facility enhancements, the DBI-SBTS partnership aims to drive economic diversification through ICT, support digital entrepreneurship, and create long-term employment opportunities for the next generation of Nigerian innovators.