ABUJA (CONVERSEER) – Major stakeholders have lauded the Cross River State government’s innovative partnership between its Teachers Continuous Training Institute (TCTI), Biase and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to equip the Nigerian youth with crucial digital literacy skills.
The commendations followed the formalisation of a landmark partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on 30th April 2025, at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.
Professor Taoheed Adedoja, former Minister of Sports and Special Duties and current Director-General of the Cross River State TCTI, along with Cross River State TCTI team, finalised and formalised the collaboration with the EFCC.
The synergy lays the groundwork for a collaborative effort to develop and implement comprehensive digital literacy and cybersecurity programs. These initiatives are designed to harness Nigeria’s growing pool of talent and direct it toward legitimate opportunities within the digital economy.
Dr Adekunle Adekola, a Senior Education Specialist at the World Bank’s Abuja office, expressed his enthusiasm for the high-level collaboration, emphasising its significance for national development.
He stated that the partnership demonstrates the nation’s commitment to providing global digital knowledge to its vast populace. Dr Adekola explains that the training would significantly enhance the digital capabilities of both the workforce and the younger generation in the global digital landscape.
“This partnership will improve the quality of digital literacy, not just for the trainees but also for state and non-state actors, ultimately impacting the nation overall,” Adekola remarked.
“It will foster collaboration and cooperation, enhance the skills of the trainees and promote increased knowledge sharing. Furthermore, it will strengthen the partnership between the state and federal governments, as exemplified by the EFCC and the Cross River State government, which is highly commendable.”
Professor Chris Igodan, President of the Institute for International Training and Development, Ohio, USA, praised the initiative as “excellent out-of-the-box thinking.”
Igodan believes it will generate global goodwill while empowering unemployed youth with high-level digital skills, positioning them as key players in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
“This will further strengthen our hands-on vocational education system and facilitate the attainment of minimum standards for utilisation by the Nigerian government,” Professor Igodan added, praising the EFCC for its partnership with the Cross River TCTI.
Honorable Philip Obin, Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River State on Digital Economy, expressed his excitement about the project. “This is a very important development, a win-win for our nation,” he stated.
“The training is important for injecting relevant digital literacy proficiency into young people. Professor Adedoja’s dedication to this cause gives me confidence in a positive future. As Special Adviser, I am proud that Cross River State is taking the lead in the digital space, and I commend the Governor, Senator Bassey Otu on this achievement.”
Dr Emmanuel Omini, Acting Director of the Center for Digital Literacy and Emerging Skills at TCTI and a member of the delegation to the EFCC headquarters, echoed this sentiment. He emphasised the significance of TCTI’s role in promoting digital literacy training nationwide, seeing it as a major role for Cross River State.
During the signing, the EFCC Chairman, Mr Ola Olukoyede, had stated that the three-year joint efforts will see both institutions develop a standardised nationwide digital literacy framework and certification programme, as well as launching cybersecurity training for personnel.
“We can integrate this into our preventive measures and that’s where we see the need for synergy with the Institute,” Mr Olukoyede explained. “This MOU is a viable framework, and we will immediately operationalise its provisions.”
The EFCC Chair further hinted that: “This partnership aligns with the EFCC’s preventive strategy through education and empowerment. Together with the TCTI, we are building a digital future that safeguards our economy and uplifts Nigerian youth.”
The anti-graft Chairman expressed his belief in the potential to reorient idle youth through skills acquisition. “It is when they possess basic skills that we can encourage them to engage in productive activities. I want to affirm our alignment with the proposal on digital skill acquisition for youths and our commitment to this collaboration.”
The tech partnership continues to garner significant local and international praises, recognising its anticipated positive impact on national development.