The Cross River State Government is joining forces with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to train Nigerian youths in digital literacy and cybersecurity under a new initiative aimed at curbing cybercrime and unlocking economic opportunities.
The partnership, led by Professor Taoheed Adedoja, Director-General of the Cross River State Teachers’ Continuous Training Institute (TCTI), was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at EFCC headquarters in Abuja.
The three-year initiative targets unemployed youth across Nigeria and seeks to channel digital talent into the nation’s innovation ecosystem by providing high-level skills training.
The collaboration introduces a standardised framework for digital literacy certification and cybersecurity training, intended to benefit not only youth but also members of the Nigerian workforce.
“This initiative is designed to harness Nigeria’s growing pool of talent and direct it toward legitimate opportunities within the digital economy,” according to TCTI.
Dr Adekunle Adekola, Senior Education Specialist at the World Bank office in Abuja, says the collaboration marks a significant step towards improving the quality of digital literacy in Nigeria.
“This partnership will improve the quality of digital literacy, not just for the trainees but also for state and non-state actors, ultimately impacting the nation overall,” Adekola says. “It will foster collaboration and cooperation, enhance the skills of the trainees, and promote increased knowledge sharing.”
Ola Olukoyede, EFCC Chairman, says the Commission views the initiative as a preventive strategy against cybercrime.
“We can integrate this into our preventive measures, and that’s where we see the need for synergy with the Institute,” Olukoyede says. “This MoU is a viable framework, and we will immediately operationalise its provisions.”
Olukoyede says EFCC remains committed to building a digital future that protects the economy and empowers Nigerian youth.
The programme is expected to contribute to national efforts to curb cybercrime while enhancing Nigeria’s position in the global digital economy through capacity building.
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