In a landmark development that promises to reshape the futures of thousands of young Nigerians, Benue State has officially partnered with technology giant Cisco to expand digital skills training across the region. The agreement, forged at an international conference in Dubai earlier this month, reflects a bold commitment by Benue’s leaders to invest in youth empowerment and modernise the state’s economy.
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Training the Next Generation of Digital Professionals
Benue State is setting its sights high as it prepares to train up to 23,000 youths every two years under the new scheme with Cisco Networking Academy, a globally recognised platform for digital skills education. The training will span core fields such as computer networking, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital literacy, and other rapidly growing technology areas. Participants are expected to graduate with industry-recognised certifications that boost their employability and equip them for remote work and global opportunities.
The partnership was sealed at the Middle East & Africa Cisco International Systems Annual Conference held in Dubai from January 13 to 15, 2026, where the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), Gbande‑Hembaor Terwase, signed on behalf of Benue State. Terminally oriented towards realising a future‑ready workforce, the programme aims to harness technology to tackle youth unemployment and prepare citizens for Nigeria’s evolving digital economy.
Aligning with a Broader Digital Vision
This collaboration builds directly on the digital transformation agenda championed by Benue Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, who has prioritised the cultivation of digital talent since assuming office. In his first year, the state successfully trained 10,000 youths in digital skills and provided digital literacy and e‑governance training to more than 40,000 civil servants. These earlier efforts helped lay the groundwork for more ambitious endeavours like the Cisco partnership and have already begun to elevate the public service through enhanced efficiency and transparency.
The initiative also strengthens Benue’s capacity to implement modern public services driven by data and technology, reflecting a broader goal of transforming government operations and citizen engagement through digital tools. Civil servants will continue to benefit from upskilling opportunities, ensuring the public sector is equipped to support and sustain digital advancements across the state.
Global Standards, Local Impact
Cisco Networking Academy operates in more than 190 countries and is widely respected by employers and educational institutions around the world. Its inclusion in Benue’s digital skills initiative ensures that learners will receive training that meets global standards, opening doors to international job markets and remote work opportunities that were previously out of reach for many.
Analysts have noted that programmes like this can play a key role in addressing Nigeria’s youth unemployment challenge while preparing young professionals for high‑demand roles in the global tech economy. Through this partnership, Benue is not just training its youth but positioning them to compete and succeed alongside their peers worldwide.
Apart from equipping young people with in‑demand skills, Cisco’s involvement bolsters Benue’s efforts to standardise training and align it with industry needs. The combination of internationally accredited curricula and certification pathways will enhance the quality and relevance of digital education throughout the state.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
While the promise of this partnership is immense, experts urge that its long‑term success will depend on consistent funding, diligent execution, and continuous evaluation to ensure lasting results. Sustaining such training initiatives at scale will require collaboration across government, private sector partners, and educational institutions to keep curricula current and aligned with market demands.
For many young people in Benue, this initiative represents more than training: it is a lifeline to a brighter future in technology, entrepreneurship, freelancing, and digital innovation. By bridging the digital divide and opening new pathways to employment and economic participation, the state government hopes to catalyse a generational shift in opportunity and prosperity.
With this Cisco partnership, Benue State is staking its claim as a leader in digital skills development in Nigeria and across Africa, boldly demonstrating how strategic global alliances can deliver tangible benefits at the local level.
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