In a bold and transformative move for Nigeria’s burgeoning tech industry, INGRYD Academy has announced a strategic partnership with the globally recognized ISACA, aiming to offer top-tier tech certifications at unparalleled affordability. Set to roll out over the next five years, this collaboration is poised to empower young Nigerian professionals with international credentials—without the prohibitive costs often associated with such qualifications.
Table of Contents
Bridging the Skills Gap with Global Credentials
During a recent press event in Lagos, INGRYD Academy’s Managing Director and CEO, Khadijat Abdulkadir, unveiled the initiative. She emphasised the critical barrier faced by Nigerian tech aspirants: steep certification fees that drastically limit global competitiveness. Now, through this collaboration, fees that often hover around $1,000 will be reduced to just $250—a 70% discount designed to break down financial constraints for local talents.
“This isn’t just about skills,” Abdulkadir said. “It’s about credentials. When technology firms around the world review CVs, they don’t just look at what you know—they look at what you’re certified in.”
What’s on Offer: High‑Demand Programs & Practical Learning
Participants will gain access to a range of in-demand certification tracks, including:
- Software engineering & full-stack development
- Data science
- Cybersecurity
- Cloud computing
- DevOps
- Blockchain technology.
These programs typically span 3–6 months and involve up to 200 learning hours, blending instructor-led classes with hands-on practice.
Additional Perks: Membership, Network, & Visa Support
Graduates from this initiative will receive a one-year ISACA student membership at no added cost, opening doors to a global community of over 85,000 professionals across 190+ countries.
But the benefits don’t stop there. INGRYD plans to provide visa application support for participants who successfully land job offers abroad, easing one of the most daunting steps in the international employment process.
Impact by the Numbers: Reaching 40,000 Nigerians
The scope of this initiative is ambitious. Over the next five years, INGRYD and ISACA aim to certify 40,000 Nigerian youths, with a minimum of 2,000 trainees enrolled every quarter.
Currently, INGRYD Academy operates across three continents—Nigeria, the Netherlands, and the U.S.—and has already trained over 8,000 individuals, though only 37% have secured employment post-certification. Abdulkadir is committed to boosting that figure to 70%, leveraging the power of globally recognised credentials to improve placement rates.
Tackling the Digital Unemployment Crisis
Nigeria’s rapidly growing technology sector has unfortunately been marred by underemployment. Many young professionals possess the technical know-how but fall short of meeting the formal accreditation requirements demanded by international employers. By addressing both the cost barrier and lack of verifiable certification, this initiative aims to unlock global job opportunities for Nigerian talent.
For instance, Abdulkadir notes that roles within major Nigerian firms—including those in fintech and manufacturing—are frequently filled by expatriates, despite local talent being available. The roadblock is often inadequate certification.
Real‑World Skills, Real‑Time Learning
Away from generic, task‑driven learning, INGRYD emphasises live, instructor‑led training—no self‑paced lectures here. Every student engages daily with certified trainers in environments designed to simulate real‑world challenges
Courses are offered at flexible pricing (ranging from ₦150,000 to ₦500,000) and include payment plans, making them accessible to a wider demographic.
A Global Perspective with Local Reach
While the certifications are international in scope, INGRYD maintains a strong local focus, delivering training that resonates with the realities of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. The partnership with ISACA marks the beginning of INGRYD’s global integration strategy—additional collaborations are reportedly in the pipeline.
Why This Matters for Nigeria’s Future
- Levelling the playing field: By significantly reducing costs, the initiative enables more Nigerians to obtain globally respected certifications.
- Closing the digital divide: Enables more young professionals to access international job markets and remote work.
- Boosting employment rates: With the goal of increasing post‑training job placement from 37% to 70%, thousands more will enter gainful employment.
- Elevating local tech standards: Demonstrates that Nigerian professionals are as qualified as any peers abroad—breaking down stereotypes and biases.
Expert Insights & Comments
Abdulkadir emphasises, “We want Nigerian tech talent to be globally competitive.” She points out that certification fees in Europe can reach $2,000—costs that are simply unmanageable for most young Africans.
She further explained, “Companies abroad often see Nigerian applicants as a risk, due to visa costs and systemic biases. That’s why we offer end-to-end support—training, certification, job access, and visa assistance”
What’s Ahead: Scaling and Expansion
Over the next five years, INGRYD and ISACA intend to build on the initial momentum:
- Expand quarterly enrollment to a continuous pipeline of certified professionals.
- Form additional global partnerships to enhance training scope and geographic reach.
- Drive industry placement, aiming to connect graduates with both Nigerian and international employers—especially in corporate hubs like Lagos, Abuja, and abroad.
Conclusion
This strategic alliance between INGRYD Academy and ISACA marks a significant step in reinventing Nigerians’ access to global tech careers. By addressing systemic barriers—from credentialing to visa hurdles—it offers an ecosystem designed to nurture talent from certification to employment.
Abdulkadir aptly sums up the initiative: “This isn’t charity—it’s a roadmap to a digitally skilled, globally competitive Nigeria.”
With its bold vision and ambitious goals, this collaboration stands poised to reshape the nation’s tech landscape. As graduation takes place and certificates land in hands across Nigeria, the ripple effects on the economy, global visibility, and individual livelihoods could be transformative.
Join Our Social Media Channels:
WhatsApp: NaijaEyes
Facebook: NaijaEyes
Twitter: NaijaEyes
Instagram: NaijaEyes
TikTok: NaijaEyes
