The Federal Ministry of Education has partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to provide free digital skills training and certifications for students and educators across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, marking a significant step in the federal government’s push to embed 21st-century competencies in the country’s education system.
The initiative, which is said to be part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu administration, will see participants trained in cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and other modern digital technologies. The Ministry confirmed that the certification costs will be fully covered through a joint arrangement between the Ministry and AWS.
“The Federal Ministry of Education has teamed up with Amazon Web Services to launch a free digital skills programme for students and educators… Certification is 100% free,” the Ministry stated via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle.
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Over 40 Institutions Already Onboard
The digital skills programme has already gone live in 43 federal universities and polytechnics, and authorities say implementation is expanding quickly.
To bring private and state institutions into the fold, the Ministry has issued a directive to Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts of all tertiary institutions to nominate programme coordinators by Friday, 19th July 2025, using a dedicated Google Form link.
The nomination form requires basic administrative details, including the name and designation of the institution’s head, the appointed coordinator’s contact information, and the institution’s address.
“Schools can now register coordinators to kickstart training. Don’t miss out,” the Ministry urged in its announcement.
This move aligns with Nigeria’s broader digital transformation strategy, especially in addressing youth unemployment and preparing the next generation for a fast-changing global tech economy.
With AWS being a global leader in cloud infrastructure, the partnership provides access not only to digital knowledge but also to globally recognized certifications, giving students and staff a competitive edge in the job market.
The programme also aims to build local capacity in the academic sector to deploy, teach, and utilize cloud-based technologies for learning, research, and administrative efficiency. For educators, this represents an opportunity to integrate practical, industry-relevant digital content into their curricula.
What AWS Brings to the Table
Amazon Web Services is the world’s largest provider of cloud computing services, offering tools for everything from computing power and storage to advanced AI and data analytics. The AWS educational initiatives are part of its global commitment to train 29 million people in cloud skills by 2025.
In Nigeria, this is not the first time AWS has engaged in digital capacity-building. The company has collaborated with several government and private entities in the past to facilitate digital innovation hubs, workshops, and startup acceleration programmes.
What This Means for Nigeria’s Students
This partnership is a win for both students and educators. At a time when many Nigerian universities struggle to align with global educational standards, particularly in digital technology, this project could mark a turning point.
It also comes amid escalating concerns over graduate employability, with several industry reports indicating a mismatch between academic training and industry demand. This programme addresses one of the most critical gaps in the education-to-workforce pipeline by offering free access to internationally recognized cloud and AI certifications.
The success of this initiative, however, will depend on institutional coordination, consistent internet access, and the Ministry’s ability to scale the programme equitably across regions.
If implemented effectively, it could position Nigeria as a regional hub for digital talent and open up opportunities in global tech, outsourcing, and startup ecosystems.