Baze University has graduated 928 indigenes of Jigawa State trained in digital skills under the Federal Government’s World Bank-assisted Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project.
The graduation ceremony, hosted by the Jigawa State Government at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Dutse, was attended by Governor Umar Namadi, Minister of Education, Dr Moruf Olatunji Alausa, Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, representatives of Baze University, the IDEAS Project, development partners and other stakeholders.
Representing the management of Baze University, the Director of IT Services, Dr Alhassan Abdulmutallib, described the graduation as a significant achievement in the implementation of the IDEAS Project and efforts to equip young Nigerians with skills for the digital economy.
He said the achievement reflected the impact of collaboration among the Federal Government, state governments, universities and development partners in strengthening Nigeria’s human capital.
Dr Abdulmutallib commended the Jigawa State Government for hosting the ceremony, providing training facilities and supporting the beneficiaries throughout the programme.
He also praised the Federal Ministry of Education for initiating the programme and partnering with Baze University to provide the academic, technological and institutional resources required for the training.
The beneficiaries received training in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics and Software Engineering, among other areas of technology, giving them practical skills relevant to the changing demands of the digital economy.
Baze University was initially awarded a grant to train 900 participants nationwide. However, more than 150,000 applications were received, resulting in the screening and selection of 55,500 participants for online and physical training.
At the national level, more than 4,500 participants earned Professional Diplomas, while over 33,000 received Certificates of Participation.
Addressing the graduates, Dr Abdulmutallib urged them to view the training as a foundation for continuous learning, innovation and economic contribution.
He encouraged them to apply the skills acquired to address challenges in their communities and pursue opportunities in employment, entrepreneurship and the wider digital economy.
He also stressed the need for continuous skills development, given the rapid pace of technological advancement.
Governor Namadi commended the graduates for their performance and announced that 30 outstanding participants would receive laptop computers from the state government.
He further disclosed that four graduates had secured employment with Baze University.
The Minister of Education, Dr Alausa, described the graduation as an important milestone in Nigeria’s drive to develop the digital and technical skills needed for a knowledge-based economy.
Similarly, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Ahmad, commended the Jigawa State Government for its investment in human capital development.
She said the programme demonstrated the importance of preparing young Nigerians with practical skills capable of improving their employability and participation in the digital economy.
Baze University reaffirmed its commitment to supporting digital literacy, employability and skills development, while appreciating the Federal Ministry of Education, Jigawa State Government, Jigawa State Youth Empowerment Agency, project facilitators and other stakeholders for their contributions to the programme.
The university said the graduation demonstrated the importance of partnerships between government, higher education institutions and development partners in strengthening Nigeria’s human capital and creating opportunities for young people.
