The Knights of Saint Mulumba (KSM), Victoria Garden City (VGC) Sub-council has launched a Digital Skills Acquisition Programme aimed at equipping young Nigerians with practical, future-ready abilities in the digital economy, a move seen as key to expanding employability and entrepreneurial opportunities in a rapidly changing labour market.
The launch ceremony in Lagos on Friday saw 23 trainees admitted into the first cohort of the initiative, which is designed to address the country’s persistent digital skills gap and empower young people with competencies that align with global market demands.
At the event, the Worthy Grand Knight, Sir Tony Ukairo, explained that the programme focuses on teaching sustainable skills rather than provided temporary relief, emphasising a long-term approach to self-reliance.
Drawing inspiration from faith and practical action, Sir Ukairo said: “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” He expanded on this philosophy, adding: “the programme is structured to teach sustainable skills rather than provide temporary relief, enabling trainees to become self-sufficient contributors in the digital space.”
Highlighting the practical nature of the training, Sir Ukairo stated: “The goal is to ensure participants learn by doing. Through interactive sessions and real-world projects, they will be empowered to ‘catch their own fish’ and thrive in the global digital economy.”
Practical, Hands-On Training for Today’s Job Market
The curriculum blends online live and recorded lessons with guided instruction and real-world simulations, providing participants with hands-on experience in sectors such as digital marketing, web development, data analytics and cybersecurity. The hybrid training model is meant to make learning flexible but results-driven, ensuring graduates leave equipped to enter the workforce or start ventures immediately.
Trainees also received motivational guidance from KSM VGC leadership, who urged them to embrace discipline, consistency, collaboration and curiosity throughout their learning journey. Organisers stressed that in a world where digital skills have become essential rather than optional, building technical competencies is critical to personal success and national competitiveness.
Leadership Support and Future Plans
Several KSM VGC officials were present to show institutional backing for the programme. These included Sir Anthony Chiejina (Deputy Grand Knight), Bro Yemi Bankole (Chancellor), and instructors Sir Peter Iwuegbu and Bro Dike Ukaegbu, who will jointly facilitate the technical training. Sir Chojare Igho Najevwe, the Worthy Public Relations Officer, is overseeing coordination and public engagement efforts to broaden the programme’s reach.
Organisers plan to run two cohorts annually, aiming to create an ongoing platform for digital empowerment that aligns faith-based values with practical solutions to unemployment and the skills gap in Nigeria.
Why This Matters for Nigeria’s Economy
Economists and policy analysts have highlighted that Nigeria faces a significant digital skills gap that could cost the economy billions in lost growth if left unaddressed, as businesses and industries increasingly demand tech-savvy talent. With youth unemployment high and many young graduates lacking marketable digital competencies, initiatives such as this programme not only expand individual opportunity but also help strengthen the country’s competitiveness in the digital economy.
By training young Nigerians in skills that are directly relevant to the digital workplace, programmes like KSM VGC’s can boost employability, foster entrepreneurship and contribute to broader economic growth, positioning more citizens to benefit from the opportunities of a fast-digitising global market.
In Nigeria’s economy, where digital proficiency is increasingly linked to job creation and productivity, expanding access to market-relevant digital skills can help reduce unemployment, drive entrepreneurship, and unlock new revenue streams, crucial for sustainable growth amid global technological shifts.
