The Nigerian Government has stepped-up its mandate of using broadband internet penetration to fast-track its digital economy quest with the approval of N16.7 billion to be used to provide broadband access for 20 markets and 18 schools across the 6 geopolitical zones of the country.
Also, the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Pantami has also secured the approval of the Federal Executive Council for N1.96 billion to be used to purchase 6,000 e-pad mobile devices for students in tertiary institutions.
Both projects are to be implemented by the Nigerian Communications Commission and supervised by Pantami.
Details of these Government’s investment in boosting broadband penetration were revealed at the unveiling of a book written by the Minister entitled Skills Rather Than Just Degrees that focuses on the importance of skills and its potential impact in addressing the problems of unemployability, unemployment and underemployment.
The book is a research and productive work implementing the paradigm shift being advocated by Pantami.
In forward written by the US Attorney Brad Smith, the President of Microsoft Corporation, Mr. Smith, described the book as “a de facto ambassador for the technology industry at large” stated that the book is so important, in part because it addresses critical opportunities for individuals, and also because it points the way towards steps that can unlock the potential for the African continent and the world.
According to the reviewer of the book, Vice Chancellor of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Prof. M. A. Abdulazeez, the book amplifies the need for the institutionalisation of the triple helix model as a veritable tool to recalibrate our participation in the knowledge-driven global economy.
Also speaking, Vice Chancellor of the University of Port-Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, said the book greatly enhances the understanding of how skills can solve challenges like unemployment and underemployment.
And, Vice Chancellor of Bayero University Kano, Prof. Sagir Adamu Abbas, called the book work of an erudite scholar that will serve as reference material for scholars, researchers, students, and society at large.
The unveiling of the book is part of programme aimed at signaling the commencement of landmark broadband initiatives to accelerate broadband penetration in Nigeria and advance the course of digital economy for the nation.
The unveiling of the book on skills and the launch of the programme to support broadband initiatives in the country are all part of efforts to implement the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) for a Digital Nigeria.
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