Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in partnership with Cisco, has convened the English West and Central Africa Instructor Safari Conference 2026 in Abuja to strengthen digital skills development and prepare learners for the future of work.
Held at the UBEC Digital Resource Centre, the conference brought together instructors, partners and stakeholders to explore ways to expand digital literacy, improve access to industry-relevant training and equip learners with practical skills for the evolving digital economy.
Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, delivered the keynote address, emphasising the importance of integrating digital literacy into formal education. He also highlighted the need to expand access to relevant training and strengthen collaboration between educational institutions and industry to help young Nigerians participate in the digital economy.
NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, delivered a special address on the future of work, drawing on his experience as a Cisco Networking Academy alumnus. He highlighted lifelong learning, continuous upskilling and adaptability as important capabilities in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
Inuwa also urged instructors to go beyond standard certifications by equipping learners with practical competencies, critical thinking and problem-solving skills that can be applied to real-world challenges.
The conference aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on human capital development and economic growth through digitalisation.
Through its collaboration with Cisco, NITDA aims to expand digital literacy, increase access to industry-ready training and develop a digitally skilled workforce capable of supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation.
