Lagos Provides Business, Digital Skills Training for Undergraduates

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to advancing economic growth, development, and better governance through artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and digital technology.

This statement was made at the closing event of the Ministry of Tertiary Education’s Job Initiative Lagos (JIL) training programme, as noted in a press release from the ministry’s spokesperson, Mamud Hassan, on Thursday.

At the event on Tuesday, Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, highlighted that JIL goes beyond traditional training, stating that “it is a movement empowering students and youths to transform the economy and build a better future.”

He explained that the initiative tackles graduate unemployment in the state by offering in-depth training in areas such as business creation, digital technology, communication skills, employability fundamentals, financial management, coding, and entrepreneurship. This, he said, aligns with his vision for Lagos as a key technological hub in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Addressing over 500 participants drawn from five of the state’s tertiary institutions after three weeks of intensive training, the governor noted that Job Initiative Lagos reflects the state government’s commitment to establishing Lagos as a leader in both technology and economic development.

“With Job Initiative Lagos, undergraduates in state-owned tertiary institutions can acquire industry-recognised skills, entrepreneurial mindsets, and innovative thinking to thrive in the 21st-century workforce,” he remarked.

Commissioner for Tertiary Education Tolani Sule also addressed the participants, celebrating the programme’s success.

“Today marks the culmination of our collective efforts to empower our youths with industry-recognised skills, an entrepreneurial mindset, and innovative thinking,” he said.

Tolani further pointed out that the entrepreneurial component of the training had bridged the gap between academic learning and industry, with testimonials from participants reflecting the positive impact.

He reassured trainees that the Lagos State government remains committed to improving infrastructure and delivering quality tertiary education, ensuring the youth are equipped to meet the demands of the 21st-century workforce.