In a significant achievement underscoring Nigeria’s strides in digital literacy, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has been awarded Cisco’s prestigious Premier+ Award. This accolade recognizes NITDA’s outstanding regional impact in advancing digital skills training across Nigeria through the Cisco Networking Academy (NetAcad) platform.

The award was presented to Dr. Ahmed Yusuf Tambuwal, the Acting Director of Digital Literacy and Capacity Building at NITDA, on behalf of the Director-General and CEO of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, at the Networking Academy Partner Conference 2024, held in Dubai. This annual event brings together global thought leaders in technology and digital literacy, spotlighting the achievements of organizations that make transformative contributions to digital empowerment and workforce readiness.

The Cisco NetAcad platform has been integral in supporting NITDA’s mission to build a digitally literate and globally competitive workforce. Through this partnership, Nigerian citizens have access to a robust, interactive, self-paced online course designed to enhance digital literacy and provide essential skills for the modern job market. Notably, participants of the program receive a national digital literacy certification, which validates their skill acquisition and prepares them for career advancement in an increasingly digital economy.

During the conference, Dr. Tambuwal held an exclusive VIP session with Chris Reeves, Cisco’s Vice President of the Digital Impact Office for Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). Their discussions focused on expanding the scope of Cisco and NITDA’s partnership to reach even more Nigerians and build on the progress achieved so far. This collaboration aims to create a long-term impact on Nigeria’s workforce, ensuring that participants are equipped with relevant, industry-recognized digital skills that can drive the nation’s economic growth.

Dr. Tambuwal highlighted the value of this initiative, stating, "Our partnership with Cisco’s NetAcad platform has been instrumental in bridging the digital skills gap across Nigeria. With Cisco's support, we’re able to empower a new generation of Nigerians with the skills they need to thrive in a digital world, and this recognition further strengthens our resolve to expand our reach."

As the world leans more heavily on digital infrastructure and skills, NITDA’s work with Cisco reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to embracing and leveraging technology for economic and social advancement. This award not only celebrates past successes but also sets the stage for a continued journey toward digital inclusion and empowerment across Nigeria.