Aptech Nigeria has awarded scholarships worth more than N701 million to over 200 young Nigerians as part of an initiative aimed at addressing the country’s digital skills gap and preparing young people for opportunities in an increasingly technology-driven economy.

The scholarships were presented through the 18th edition of Aptech Career Quest, a nationwide career guidance programme that reached more than 8,000 Nigerian students across eight cities, alongside online sessions conducted in partnership with Middlesex University London.

Career Quest introduced participants to career pathways in artificial intelligence, software development, cybersecurity, data science, cloud computing, networking and digital creative services.

According to Aptech, the programme reflects the increasing demand from employers for practical technology and creative competencies in addition to conventional academic qualifications.

Physical sessions were held in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Enugu, Ibadan and Abeokuta, while virtual sessions enabled young Nigerians outside the host cities to participate.

The company said the scholarships are intended to widen access to specialised technology education for young Nigerians pursuing practical alternatives to conventional academic routes or seeking skills that could strengthen their prospects in the technology labour market.

Kallol Mukherjee, Executive Vice President, International Business, Aptech Limited, said the high level of participation showed the growing interest among Nigerian youths in pursuing careers capable of competing in the global digital economy.

“Over the past 26 years, Aptech has remained committed to empowering students with practical, industry-relevant skills that prepare them for global opportunities,” Mukherjee said.

The initiative also has potential relevance for Nigeria’s expanding MSME ecosystem, where small businesses increasingly rely on digital tools for areas such as marketing, payments, customer management, software, data analysis and business operations.

Aptech currently has 72 centres across Nigeria, providing training in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, software development, cybersecurity, networking, cloud computing, Internet of Things, digital marketing, UI/UX, animation and 3D visualisation.

The company also provides shorter technology courses and programmes for teenagers, giving learners with different levels of experience and career ambitions various entry points into technology education.

The participation recorded through Career Quest points to the increasing interest in technology careers while underscoring the importance of turning that interest into practical, market-ready capabilities.

As Nigeria’s digital economy expands, businesses are increasingly adopting software, artificial intelligence, cloud services, cybersecurity solutions and other technology-driven systems, creating demand for workers with specialised skills.

Through its partnership with Middlesex University, Aptech also offers eligible students an international progression route through a Credit Transfer Facility.

Graduates of selected Aptech programmes can, subject to applicable requirements, progress towards internationally recognised undergraduate degrees in fields including computer networks, information technology, business information systems, animation and games.

For young Nigerians and aspiring digital entrepreneurs, practical technology training can strengthen their ability to pursue technology jobs, freelance engagements and digital business contracts in both local and international markets.

Industry stakeholders have therefore called for stronger collaboration between training providers, employers and international education institutions to ensure that digital education produces graduates equipped with practical competencies and qualifications recognised by employers.

Source: msmeafricaonline