The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in collaboration with Ascend Studios Foundation has announced the launch of the Creative Technology Program (CTP), in 2022.
In a joint statement signed by Mrs. Hadiza Umar, Head Corporate Affairs and External Relations, NITDA, and Dr. Inya Lawal, President of Ascend Studios Foundation, said that the program is aimed at developing and retaining Creative Technology Talents in Nigeria for promoting career skills and providing job opportunities among the beneficiaries.
“The goal of the program is to enable, nurture, and upskill creative technology talents in persons into viable career options; and create an ecosystem that will boost the economic potential of all participants.”
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According to him, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the existing digital skills gap and resulted in millions of job losses – disrupting the global landscape and leaving many with speculations on the world’s recovery mechanism, therefore this level of training is crucial, according to Kashifu Inuwa,” the Director General/CEO of NITDA “.
Similarly, the President of Ascend Studios Foundation, Dr. Inya Lawal, said “We are delighted that NITDA has partnered with us as our goal is to bridge the creative technology skill gap Nigeria has and produce top professionals in Gaming, Animation, and Augmented Reality whose work can compete globally”.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has embarked on several initiatives to upskill and reskill Nigerians across all walks of life in line with the national agenda for a digital economy- the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS). The development of the NITDA Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) is a strategic plan for achieving the NDEPS.
In continuance to provide massive employment opportunities through digital skills, NITDA has kick-started an ambitious project to train one million software developers in the country. Therefore, the NITDA- Ascend Studios Foundation, CTP will enable the participants to gain new skills that will help them take their ventures to the next level, at the same time formulating a strong network for sharing ideas and each other’s experiences.
As the creative economy rapidly transforms the global economic landscape and the technology skills gap between Africa and other continents widen, technology literacy is fast becoming a fundamental right and a springboard for Africans to engage and participate in today’s world.
The need and demand for creative and digital technology skills are more pressing than ever before. The program will find talents in Animation, Games, and AR who will contribute positively to the Nigerian economy and its relation to career/business opportunities within creative technology.
CTP is supported by the HOW Foundation, Africa Creative Market, Paramount Africa, Global Wissen Consult, Entertainment IP Germany, and the Animation Excellence Cluster in Germany.
Application link: https://bit.ly/2022ctp
Application opens: 3rd November
Application closes: 11th November
The program runs from the 21st of November – the 7th of December 2022
