Nigerian Youths need inclusive tech curricula to compete in the global workspace – Rotoye

The group managing director of Creditville, Richard Rotoye, has highlighted the importance and necessity for young Africans, particularly Nigerians to become technologically savvy in preparation for the next phase of industrialisation.

He stated this at the recent Elev8 Talent Summit, with the theme: ‘Future of Jobs: The implications and role of people, businesses, and governments’.

The high-powered summit brought together prominent corporate leaders to discuss the talent revolution in Africa with focus on how young minds can effectively leverage the new digital world potentials and further expand the continent’s socio-economic development and growth.

Speaking during a panel session at the Summit, Rotoye emphasized the need for government, leaders, and youths to continuously evolve and reinvent themselves, as today’s work ecosystem is constantly changing.

He said, “There is a need for the government to be very deliberate about digital transformation for young people, especially those who don’t have access to a certain level of training, such as public primary and secondary schools in rural areas.”

“Our government must develop and tap into potentials by using inclusive systems, such as technology and digital curricula, to compete in the global workforce and it is exciting to see quite a number of emerging opportunities for young Africans that have ushered us into a new socio-economic era,” he added.

Rotoye further stated that it is important to prepare the nation’s economy to fill the digital skill gap and ensure the new technology is learned so that the young ones can understand the future.

“As an organisation, to put yourself in a better position to take advantage of a stronger economy, you must invest continuously and consistently in upskilling and reskilling your employees, especially with the severe impact of Covid-19.

“There is a need for constant training, on the job mentoring for the employees and as leaders, we must also understand that helping our employees upskill and reskill often lead to higher performance and ROI for the business,” he stated.

Other speakers at the summit included Oluwaseun Solanke, VP and CIO, Airtel Nigeria; Wale Olokodana, Director, Microsoft Consulting Services, Middle East & Africa; Lars Johannison, Country Managing Director, Elev8 Nigeria, and Emmanuel Abegunde, HRBP East & West Africa, NielsenlQ.

Mimshach Obioha, Country Manager, Telesoftas; Obinna Ukonu, Country Digital & Technology Director, Nigerian Bottling Company; Nsikak John, Head, Solutions & Innovations Hub, Nigerian Exchange Group; Yvonne Ige, Chief Commercial Officer, Appzone, and Bayo Adesanya, Chief Digital Officer, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc.