ABUJA, April 29, 2025 — In a bold step to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide and tackle youth unemployment, the MTN Foundation has launched the MTN Skills Academy, a free, web-based learning platform offering high-demand technology and business courses to Nigerians.

The platform, which debuted at a high-profile launch event held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, aims to equip Nigerian youth with future-ready skills across disciplines such as data analytics, software engineering, digital marketing, and project management. The academy is part of the foundation’s broader push to support Nigeria’s digital literacy goals and economic transformation.

According to the World Bank, 40% of Nigeria’s workforce lacks digital skills, and with 18.3 million children out of school, per UNICEF data, the MTN Foundation’s initiative is designed to reach underserved communities and provide accessible, world-class learning. The move comes amid rising concerns about the 6.3% youth unemployment rate and a widening skills gap in the nation’s digital economy.

“We believe digital skills are a truly powerful asset. No Nigerian youth or child should be left behind because of their socioeconomic background,” said Dr. Mosun Belo-Olusoga, Chairman of the MTN Foundation, in a statement read on her behalf by Foundation Director, Simon Aranonu. “This platform is designed to provide world-class learning experiences, helping Nigerian youth thrive and become future leaders.”

The Skills Academy is developed in partnership with global e-learning platform Coursera, ensuring participants receive internationally recognised certification upon completion of each course. The platform supports Nigeria’s target of achieving 70% digital literacy by 2030, and taps into the continent’s booming $2.3 billion e-learning market, projected to grow by 2027.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, hailed the initiative as “unique and critical” to Nigeria’s tech-driven development goals.

“Nigeria is an extremely blessed country. With an average age of just 16.9, we are one of the youngest populations in the world. This program is not just about training; it’s about equipping a generation that will drive innovation, deepen our economy, and position Nigeria as a net exporter of tech talent,” the minister said.

The Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, highlighted the strategic ambition behind the academy: “We are focused on building Africa’s largest digital talent pipeline. Through relevant and practical courses across various disciplines, this web-based training system will be instrumental in promoting a digitally skilled workforce.”

Since its inception in 2004, the MTN Foundation has invested over ₦23 billion in education and health interventions across Nigeria. The Skills Academy is its latest initiative aimed at unlocking opportunity for young Nigerians in a rapidly evolving global digital economy.