Centergate Technologies has concluded a 30-day Information and Communication Technology (ICT) bootcamp that trained 1,000 youths in Lagos State as part of efforts to prepare young Nigerians for opportunities in the digital economy.

The programme, themed “Raising the Next 1,000 Tech Future Leaders,” commenced on July 27, 2026, and ended on August 27, 2026, with a graduation ceremony held at Ogudu Senior Secondary School, Ogudu, Lagos.

Participants received practical training in several areas of technology, including cybersecurity, data analytics, software engineering, animation and graphics, and robotics.

The initiative focused on youths from Kosofe Local Government Area as well as students from participating secondary schools. It was designed to turn their interest and potential in technology into practical and employable digital skills.

A major highlight of the graduation ceremony was the announcement by Centergate Technologies CEO, Sanni Michael, that 23 outstanding participants would receive scholarships.

Each of the 23 graduates was awarded a scholarship valued at N2 million, putting the combined value of the scholarships at N46 million.

The scholarships will support a comprehensive one-year ICT training programme aimed at advancing the beneficiaries’ skills and preparing them for careers as software engineers and IT professionals.

Beyond the 23 scholarship recipients, another 15 students were selected for six months of fully funded ICT training.

The additional opportunities are intended to give the beneficiaries deeper technical knowledge and practical experience as they prepare to take part in Nigeria’s expanding digital economy.

Speaking during the event, a spokesperson for Centergate Technologies said the initiative was established to support the development of Nigeria’s future workforce by increasing young people’s access to relevant digital skills.

“We are not just an IT startup; we are building the backbone of Nigeria’s future economy,” the spokesperson said.

“These 1,000 youths are now equipped to compete globally, and we are proud to nurture the next generation of innovators right here in Kosofe LGA.”

Centergate Technologies said the bootcamp forms part of its wider commitment to developing young technology talents and establishing a pipeline of skilled professionals who can contribute to Nigeria’s digital transformation.

The programme brought together students and youths from several schools across Lagos. Participating institutions included Command Secondary School, Ikeja; Immaculate High School, Maryland; Ogudu Senior Secondary School, Ogudu; Alapeere High School, Ketu; and Community High School, Ketu, alongside other youths within Kosofe LGA.

The training was organised against the backdrop of rising demand for digital skills as technology continues to influence employment opportunities in Nigeria and around the world.

For the participants, the bootcamp offered an opportunity to progress beyond basic exposure to technology and acquire specialised capabilities in fields where demand for skilled workers is growing.

The initiative also demonstrates the contribution of private-sector organisations to efforts by government and educational institutions to tackle youth unemployment and address Nigeria’s digital skills gap.

With 1,000 young people completing the bootcamp and 38 beneficiaries securing additional fully funded training opportunities, Centergate Technologies said it aims to strengthen the pipeline of young Nigerians prepared for careers in software engineering, cybersecurity, data analytics, robotics and other technology fields.

Source: msme Africa online