By Peace Timi
In today’s fast-paced digital economy, staying ahead in the tech industry requires more than just theoretical knowledge. It demands hands-on expertise, problem-solving abilities, and a deep understanding of real-world applications. Darey.io, a leading DevOps training platform, is redefining how professionals acquire these critical skills, bridging the gap between learning and practical experience.
With a rapidly growing youth population and an increasing global demand for digital skills, efforts are being made to establish a strong presence in the digital economy. Francis Sani, Technical Adviser on Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Capital to the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, emphasized this strategic direction.
Sani made this assertion at the official launch of Darey.io and Xterns.ai, two innovative tech platforms, along with their new technology hub in Yaba, Lagos. The event, themed “Tech and Tea: Brewing Nigeria’s Technology Innovation Future,” brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and tech enthusiasts to discuss the future of Nigeria’s digital economy.
During his speech, Sani emphasized that “digital skills are the foundation for economic growth,” providing Nigeria with an opportunity to become a global outsourcing hub. He underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring that “every Nigerian, regardless of financial or geographical limitations, has access to technical training.” As Programme Director for the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, he highlighted the partnership with Darey.io as a key step in delivering “AI-driven, project-based learning that enhances training effectiveness.”
Outlining the ministry’s strategic approach, Sani identified five key pillars driving digital transformation in Nigeria: “knowledge, policy, infrastructure, innovation and entrepreneurship, and trade.” He noted that “Nigeria’s large youth population is our competitive edge in the global digital economy” and stressed that the government is working to attract technology companies to create employment opportunities for young people.
Speaking on the impact of artificial intelligence, Sani acknowledged that “AI is fundamentally reshaping work and value creation,” urging Nigeria to strategically position itself to take full advantage of these shifts.
Darey.io Founder and CEO, Dare Olufunmilayo, highlighted the company’s mission to bridge the gaps in Nigeria’s digital economy through partnerships and infrastructure development. He stated that the newly launched tech hub aims to provide “a collaborative space where young people can acquire essential digital skills, network with professionals, and build a strong talent pipeline.”
As part of their commitment to nurturing Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, Darey.io is collaborating with the 3MTT programme to train three million technical talents, leveraging “digital tools for progress tracking and career development.” Olufunmilayo disclosed that “over 5,000 individuals have been trained in the past four and a half years, with 100,000 more currently enrolled in the 3MTT programme.”
To further empower young people, he announced the launch of the Dare Olufunmilayo Human Capital Foundation. This initiative aims to partner with organizations to “provide laptops and financial support for talented individuals, ultimately driving economic growth.”
Olufunmilayo also addressed the importance of soft skills, emphasizing that “technical expertise alone is not enough to secure employment. Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are equally crucial.” He stated that the tech hub will foster collaboration and innovation, with “experienced professionals facilitating training to enhance learning outcomes.”
On certification, Olufunmilayo revealed that training under the initiative will be “recognized by global platforms such as Microsoft, AWS, and Google, alongside Darey.io’s in-house certifications.”
With Nigeria at a pivotal moment in its digital transformation journey, stakeholders at the event agreed that a strong focus on “digital skills, public-private partnerships, and strategic infrastructure development” will be critical in positioning the country as a major player in the global technology landscape.
