Ebonyi partners GetBundi, flags off free digital skills training for 5,000 youths

The Ebonyi State Government has flagged off a free digital skills training targeted at equipping 5,000 youths of the state with various digital skill sets.

The programme, which is being run through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) office in Ebonyi State and supported by the First Lady through her BERWO Foundation, targets to train 200 youths in Digital Marketing, Video Editing and Graphics Design in the pilot phase. The youths will be trained on the GetBundi Education Technology platform.

Flagging off the pilot phase in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, on 27th July 2024, the First Lady, Chief Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, emphasised the crucial role of digital skills in the 21st century economy.

“I am speaking to you today wearing three hats. One as the First Lady of the State, as a mother who wants the best for her children, and as a founder of a foundation targeted at human capital development which is what is happening here today,” Mrs Nwifuru said.

“I am going to be very clear and honest with you, there is nothing this state can offer you as youths that will equal what is happening here today. The world has gone digital and without digital skill sets, you cannot compete as individuals.

“I can hand you over all the cars I came here with today and in four years, they are gone bad and the next four years there may not be any traces of them. But, when you take what is happening here today seriously and acquire the skill sets that the government, through the SDG office and my office, are offering you, you will buy these cars 10 times and many more. You can take advantage of remote work and excel forever. You can even buy cars for me tomorrow. I urge you to please take this opportunity and run worth it,” she said.

The First Lady further said the programme, tagged Skill Up Ebonyi, represents a beacon of hope for the state’s youth and a pathway towards empowerment, economic independence, and sustainable development, urging stakeholders, government officials, educators, and business leaders to support the initiative wholeheartedly.

In her speech on the occasion, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor and focal person for the SDG in Ebonyi State, Engr Mrs Esther Nwogha, said the Ebonyi State Digital Skill Development Programme, “a transformative initiative that promises to reshape the future of our youth and empower them with essential skills for the digital age”, aims to achieve several key objectives that include empowerment through education, job creation, economic growth, and inclusivity.

Nwogha said the programme is intended for undergraduates, graduates, and the general workforce and will cover three digital skill sets – Digital Marketing, Video Editing and Graphic Design.

She said the candidates applying for the programme will be screened by the GetBundi Education Technology team to ascertain their eligibility in any of the courses to ensure they are instantly employable or qualified to start their own ventures when completed.

According to Nwogha, the pilot phase will run for four months, fully online, and will adopt an approach that includes personalized support, live online classes, and a course-specific highly moderated interactive community that promotes learning.

Stressing the importance of digital skills in today’s rapidly evolving world, she said, “The advent of technology has not only changed how we communicate but has also revolutionized industries, creating new job opportunities while rendering some traditional roles obsolete. In Ebonyi State, where we are blessed with a vibrant population eager to learn and grow, it is imperative that we equip our youth with the necessary tools to thrive in this digital economy.

“Let us invest in our future by investing in our youth today! Together, we can build a digitally skilled workforce capable of propelling Ebonyi State into a prosperous future where opportunities abound for all.”

On his part, the founder of GetBundi Education Technology, Osita Oparaugo, expressed his team’s commitment to the programme and to making an impact across Africa.

Addressing the youths, Oparaugo said, “We brought you great news. You do not have to japa after today to make money. Count yourselves lucky to be part of this programme and to have a government that is willing to invest in human capital development.”

He explained that the global job market is undergoing a significant transformation, moving from an emphasis on formal degrees to a focus on skills, which reflects the evolving needs of industries and the increasing importance of adaptability, technical proficiency, and real-world experience.

The GetBundi founder said the education technology platform offers industry-driven courses with curriculums designed to make learners job-ready as technological advancements reshape job markets locally and globally.

He said GetBundi’s teaching method is divided into four parts and can be completed in either four or six months, adding that its flexible training approach is tailored to achieving specific goals and delivering measurable results.

“The importance of acquiring these skills cannot be overemphasized, as it ensures that you remain relevant and competitive in the workforce.

“I encourage you to join the GetBundi community where you will meet thousands of learners from various corners of the world coming together under a single community. This includes close to 1,000 women from Africa participating in the TechSis 2024 cohort and a youth empowerment cohort from Umuahia North in Abia State. The power of community and collaboration knows no bounds.

“We are committed to this programme, we are committed to making an impact across Africa, we academic team are a phone call or email away if you need help with anything concerning your development,” he said.