ICT Academy: NECA Empowers 75 Graduates With IT Skills

L-R: Director, Unitex Integrated Nigeria Limited, Toyin Olatayo; Chairman, Ikeja LG, Akeem Dauda; Graduand, NECA ICT Academy, Jubril Oladipupo; Commissioner for Science, Innovation and Technology, Lagos State, Olatunbosun Alake; Director General, NECA, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde; and Director, South West Zonal Office, ITF, Ojo Akindele during the presentation of laptop to one of the graduands at the 6th graduation ceremony of the NECA ICT Academy organized by NECA in conjunction with ITF in Lagos

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has successfully graduated 75 participants from its ICT Academy, equipping them with advanced digital skills to thrive in the ever-evolving world of technology.

The graduands were presented with certificates at the graduation ceremony held on Tuesday, November 04, 2025, at the NECA House, Ikeja, Lagos.

The NECA ICT Academy is a leading initiative by NECA aimed at empowering young Nigerians with world-class ICT skills, bridging the digital divide, and fostering sustainable employment opportunities nationwide.

The graduating cohort underwent four months of intensive training in high-demand areas, including artificial intelligence, data analysis, Python programming, cyber security, and 3D animation.

The graduation ceremony, held in Lagos, marked another significant milestone in NECA’s ongoing effort to bridge Nigeria’s digital skills gap and empower young people to become employable, innovative, and self-reliant.

The graduating cohort underwent four months of intensive training in high-demand areas, including artificial intelligence, data analysis, Python programming, cyber security, and 3D animation.

Delivering the goodwill message, the Deputy Governor, Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, who was represented by the Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Olatunbosun Alake, commended NECA for its sustained commitment to human capital development and innovation. Hamzat described the academy as a model of effective collaboration between government, industry, and the private sector.

“Digital skills are the currency that drives innovation and productivity. The NECA ICT Academy stands as a shining example of how partnerships can unlock opportunities for young Nigerians. As you step out today, remember that what you have gained is more than just technical knowledge; it is the confidence to innovate, solve problems, and create value. Never stop learning. Skills attract value globally, and excellence will always open doors,” he added.

While congratulating the graduands, he urged them never to stop learning, saying that the skills they have acquired may soon become obsolete.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of Ikeja Local Government Council, Comrade Akeem Dauda, commended NECA and ITF for their partnership, which has continued to empower the youth with relevant technical and vocational skills.

Dauda urged the graduands to apply their skills with diligence, integrity, and creative contribution to advance the growth of the Nigerian economy.

He stated that the Local government remains committed to supporting initiative that promotes skills acquisition, innovation and youth empowerment in line with the agenda of Sanwo-Olu administration.

In his remarks, the Director-General, Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Dr. Afiz Ogun, who was represented by the Director, South West Zonal Office, Ojo Akindele, emphasized the importance of self-development in an age shaped by artificial intelligence, noting that “the shelf life of every CEO and professional is becoming shorter because of the rapid growth of AI.”

“What you’ve learned here is only the beginning. Self-learning is the way to go. Continue to build on what you have learned and position yourself for the opportunities that the digital future will bring,” he added.

Speaking at the event, the Director-General of NECA, Adewale Smatt-Oyerinde, noted that the initiative reflects the association’s unwavering commitment to national development through skills acquisition and employability enhancement.

Oyerinde noted that the project’s impact has been quite remarkable, with 95% of previous graduates securing gainful employment or launching their own businesses, thereby fostering national productivity and sustainable enterprise growth.

“NECA is committed to skill development. We do not have a business that you can own, but for employers to remain sustainable, productive, and profitable, they need skilled people. The rapid pace of technological evolution means that to survive in today’s workplace, ICT competence is not optional; it is essential. The NECA ICT Academy was established to address this reality. This programme is entirely free for participants, including certification training. We also support them with logistics and stipends to ensure access and inclusivity. These remarkable individuals have demonstrated excellence, discipline, and innovation throughout their learning journey, and we are proud of what they have achieved,” he said.

One of the graduating participants, Jubril Azeez Oladipupo, while expressing his appreciation on behalf of the cohort, described the programme as a life-changing opportunity that has set all the graduands on a definite career path and provided them with the proper foundation for a prosperous future in the field of technology.