The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has launched its Digitisation Initiative, a flagship capacity development programme designed to equip young Nigerians with advanced digital and data analytics skills for the oil and gas industry.
The South-West edition of the event, held in Victoria Island, Lagos, marked a major milestone in NCDMB’s continued push for digital transformation, local content growth, and youth empowerment through strategic public-private partnerships.
Sponsored by Seplat Energy Plc in collaboration with NCDMB’s Human Capacity Development Division and Uniqueocean Limited, the programme’s implementing partner, the initiative will also be held across the North Central, South East, South-South, North East, and North West zones.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Abdulmalik Halilu, represented by Mohammed Ahmed, Manager, services Utilisation, congratulated the 20 high-potential participants selected for the South-West training.
“This programme is the result of detailed planning, commitment, and collaboration between NCDMB and our partners,” Ahmed said. “We expect every participant to be fully committed for the entire 18-month duration. This is not just training; it is a transformative journey.”
He emphasised that the initiative aligns with NCDMB’s mandate to close skill gaps and ensure Nigerian professionals remain globally competitive in the fast-evolving digital space.
“See yourselves not as students but as young professionals,” he urged. “Be open-minded, ready to unlearn and relearn. If you are focused and disciplined, this programme will change the trajectory of your career.”
Also addressing participants, Letty Agala of the Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate highlighted the Code of Conduct governing the programme, stressing professionalism, discipline, and accountability.
“This programme demands responsibility,” she said. “Participants must adhere strictly to attendance and conduct requirements. Absenteeism without approval will not be tolerated.”
To ensure accountability, the Board introduced a monthly reporting system for tracking progress and maintaining communication between the training centre and NCDMB.
Programme Manager, Emmanuel Adeshola of Uniqueocean Limited, said the training bridges the gap between academic learning and industry demands.
“This initiative is about preparing Nigerians for the future of work,” he explained. “It covers Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, Data Analytics, and Software Development. Participants will work on real-life projects, including developing a Minimum Viable Product for equipment maintenance in the oil and gas sector.”
The 18-month curriculum adopts a blended learning model—combining physical and virtual sessions—and includes: Foundation Phase (12 weeks): Core digital literacy and essential tools for the oil and gas sector, advanced Phase (14 weeks): In-depth training in AI, Cloud Computing, Data Analytics, and Software Development and incubation Phase (3–18 months): Industry placement or start-up support culminating in a capstone project.
Each participant will receive accommodation, health insurance, laptops, and stipends, reflecting an estimated ₦20 million investment per trainee by NCDMB and partners.
Principal Consultant of Uniqueocean, Olayanju Olasunkanmi, described the programme as “a professional engagement rather than a classroom exercise.”
“NCDMB’s investment in you is enormous. You are not just trainees—you are employees for the next 18 months,” he said. “Our goal is to see you evolve into innovators capable of building solutions that impact Nigeria’s economy.”
The Digitisation Initiative is part of NCDMB’s broader Human Capacity Development agenda aimed at accelerating local participation and boosting Nigeria’s digital readiness in the oil and gas sector.
Through such forward-looking initiatives, NCDMB continues to nurture local talent, strengthen the digital ecosystem, and position Nigerian youths for leadership in the global digital economy.
