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The Edo State Government has launched a major digital skills initiative aimed at training 800 young people to prepare them for careers in the global technology economy.
The six-month Advanced Job-Ready Tech Skills Training program was officially unveiled Wednesday in Benin City, in partnership with Google and DeepTech Ready, as part of the state’s broader youth empowerment and digital transformation strategy.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, said the program is designed to equip students with globally competitive technology skills and open pathways to international opportunities.
“We are going to be certifying about 800 of our students in tech skills so that we can give them opportunities in the international space,” Iyamu said.
“We are also doing a serious drive in computer-based testing centers, bringing students together to learn so they can compete anywhere in the world.”
Iyamu said the initiative reflects the government’s long-term commitment to digital education, innovation, and workforce development, noting that the state is positioning its youth to meet future labor market demands.
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As part of the program’s infrastructure rollout, the commissioner revealed that the state government has approved the revamp of the Edo State tech hub and the establishment of at least 25 computer-based test (CBT) centers to support digital training and certification.
The event also featured a student innovation exhibition, where Elizabeth Chiketarauba, a final-year Mechatronics Engineering student at the University of Benin, presented a solar-powered tricycle she designed.
Chiketarauba said the idea was inspired by her experience in traffic congestion and the need for accessible renewable energy solutions.
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Impressed by the invention, Dr. Iyamu announced a ₦1 million grant on behalf of the Edo State Government to support the student’s innovation and development work.
He encouraged students across the state to embrace creativity, problem-solving, and technology-driven solutions.
“Think beyond limits. Be innovative. The future belongs to creators and problem-solvers,” he told participants.
The digital training program aligns with Edo State’s broader education and employment agenda, which focuses on building a tech-driven workforce, reducing youth unemployment, and positioning the state as a regional innovation hub.
With partnerships involving global technology firms and local innovation platforms, the government aims to connect young people to international markets, remote work opportunities, and emerging digital industries.
