In a move set to strengthen Nigeria’s digital-skills ecosystem, NITDA has endorsed a newly launched cross-border degree programme that aims to produce globally competitive Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data professionals for the country’s burgeoning tech industry.
What the Programme Offers
The initiative — a collaboration between local IT-training institution Aptech and India’s Scope Global Skills University (SGSU) — introduces a 36-month Bachelor of Vocation (B.Voc.) in Information Technology with a specialisation in AI & Machine Learning (AI/ML).
- The degree programme blends local and international training: the first 18 months are conducted at Aptech centres in Nigeria (covering foundational programming, database management, web development, and core IT skills), while the final 18 months take place at SGSU’s campus in Bhopal, India — where students will study advanced topics like deep learning, computer vision, cross-platform development and data analytics.
- Upon completion, graduates will hold an internationally recognised degree (UGC-approved by SGSU), making them eligible for postgraduate studies and well-positioned for careers as AI/ML engineers, data analysts, full-stack developers, or machine-learning specialists.
Why It Matters for Nigeria
Nigeria — often hailed as one of Africa’s most dynamic tech markets — is witnessing exponential growth in fintech, data-driven firms, and nascent AI-powered startups. Yet despite this boom, many employers report a shortage of mid- to advanced-level technical professionals, especially in niche fields like machine learning, data science and cloud engineering.
By offering a cost-effective, hybrid learning pathway that combines local grounding with international standards, the Aptech–SGSU degree aims to help bridge this skills gap. According to analysts, the programme represents a forward-looking direction for Nigeria’s workforce development.
NITDA’s support reflects the agency’s broader commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, boosting research capacity, and building a robust talent pipeline in emerging technologies such as AI, data analytics, and cloud computing.
What Stakeholders Are Saying
Officials behind the programme stress its affordability and relevance. Aptech’s International-Business Vice President described the collaboration as “a cost-effective route to a globally recognised degree without compromising quality,” designed to ensure graduates are “employable from day one.”
SGSU’s leadership likewise expressed eagerness to welcome Nigerian students, and described the partnership as a bridge between two fast-growing digital economies — India’s and Nigeria’s.
Workforce-development experts say the blend of local context and international exposure could be a game-changer, producing professionals capable of contributing to Nigeria’s digital transformation at scale — and helping tech firms meet demand for qualified staff.
What This Could Mean for Nigeria’s Future
- The scheme could significantly expand the number of qualified AI/ML and data professionals in Nigeria, helping meet demand from fintech, analytics, and emerging AI-powered startups.
- By offering an internationally recognised qualification, the pathway may encourage more students to pursue advanced tech education, and boost opportunities for postgraduate study or global employment.
- The hybrid local-and-international structure may help retain talent in Nigeria’s ecosystem — i.e. graduates trained locally but globally credentialed — strengthening the domestic tech labour market rather than accelerating brain-drain.
- Over time, with additional support and scale, such programmes could contribute to Nigeria’s broader digital transformation agenda, including public-sector AI adoption, startup growth, and tech-driven innovation.
