In a move to build a more secure digital future, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is calling for cybersecurity education to begin as early as primary school. This call comes on the heels of a new partnership between NITDA and French cybersecurity training company, SecDojo, SAS. Both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the GITEX Africa 2025 event in Morocco, marking a key step in strengthening Nigeria’s cyber resilience.
Speaking at the event, NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, said the agency’s goal goes beyond short-term training programmes. “What we’re offering now are skill-boosting courses, but these skills are not yet part of what is taught in our schools. To truly prepare for the future, we must start teaching digital and cybersecurity skills early,” he said.
The MoU outlines plans to establish a Cybersecurity Academy, run advanced training sessions, and create educational materials that can be used across the country. But Inuwa believes the long-term solution lies in working with the Ministry of Education to integrate these skills into the national school curriculum.
“Our young population is a major advantage. With the right training, they can fill global cybersecurity roles. This is not just about NITDA—it’s a national opportunity,” Inuwa added.
He pointed to successful models like the Cisco Academy, which allows university students in Nigeria to graduate with both a degree and professional certifications. He urged other tech companies to follow suit and help make digital learning materials widely available.
SecDojo’s CEO, Mr. Younes Benzagmout, also expressed excitement about the partnership. He said the company is committed to helping Nigeria grow its cybersecurity talent pool through innovative training and strong local partnerships.
“We’re grateful for the trust NITDA has shown in us, and we’re ready to support Nigeria’s journey toward stronger digital security,” he said.
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This strategic, non-binding partnership comes at no financial cost to NITDA or the Nigerian government. Under the agreement, SecDejo will provide free access to its online learning platform, offering training resources and tools to help citizens build their knowledge and skills in cybersecurity.
The MoU underscores NITDA’s commitment to enhancing national resilience against cyber threats by empowering individuals through education and digital upskilling.
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