Victoria Mbangwa
In a bold move to strengthen Nigeria’s digital workforce, Darey.io, in collaboration with the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program, has launched an initiative to train three million Nigerians in digital skills.
The initiative, announced at the opening of the Darey.io/XTERNS Tech Hub in Yaba, Lagos, aims to equip young Nigerians with technical expertise, soft skills, and global employment opportunities.
Dare Oluwafunmilayo, Founder and CEO of Darey.io, emphasized that the program goes beyond skill acquisition, focusing on building a talent pipeline for Nigeria’s digital economy. “Our aim is to offer young people a platform to gain skills, network with professionals, and build a pipeline of talent for the digital economy.” he stated.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to bridge Nigeria’s digital skills gap through strategic partnerships and infrastructure development. With support from 3MTT, the training is offered for free, ensuring accessibility to all Nigerians, regardless of financial constraints. So far, over 5,000 individuals have completed training in the past four years and six months, with 100,000 more currently enrolled.
Beyond technical skills, the program also emphasizes soft skills, recognizing that communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities are essential for career success. Oluwafunmilayo also announced the launch of the Dare Oluwafunmilayo Human Capital Foundation, which will provide laptops and stipends to support young tech talents.
The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda, as highlighted by Francis Sani, Technical Adviser to the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy. He noted that the ministry’s five-pillar strategy knowledge, policy, infrastructure, innovation and entrepreneurship, and trade aims to drive national development. The partnership with Darey.io will integrate AI-driven, project-based learning to enhance training quality and effectiveness.
Oluwafunmilayo reiterated that a formal degree in computer science is not a prerequisite for success in the tech industry. “Darey.io dismantles this barrier by offering a structured framework that equips learners with essential skills, hands-on experience, and industry-relevant knowledge, ensuring that individuals are job-ready, even without prior tech education.” he said.
With a strong focus on remote work opportunities, the initiative will enable Nigerians to secure jobs with international companies while working from home, contributing to the growth of the country’s digital economy.
