Governor Hope Uzodimma is set to inaugurate the third phase of the SkillUpImo programme on August 15, 2024, in Owerri. This latest iteration, dubbed Cohort 3A, represents a significant advancement in the state’s digital transformation efforts, spearheaded by the Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government.
Building on the success of previous cohorts, which have already produced employable technopreneurs, Cohort 3 will accommodate a total of 40,000 participants. The cohort is divided into two groups of 20,000 learners each.
Dr. Chimezie Amadi, Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, recently announced that in-person classes for Cohort 3A will commence across 15 learning centers statewide. He emphasized the enhanced learning experience planned for both students and instructors.
In a strategic move, the state government has partnered with the Digital SME Alliance, an EU-affiliated organization. This collaboration aims to provide mentorship and create opportunities for exchange programs in Europe, exposing participants to a global network of digital professionals.
The programme’s curriculum is comprehensive, covering cutting-edge fields such as Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, and various programming disciplines. It also includes practical skills like Car Tracking, Phone Repairs, and CCTV Engineering.
Participants are required to maintain at least 80% attendance and carry their identity cards, which are crucial for class access and various administrative processes.
The SkillUpImo Project, a key component of the Imo Digital Economy Agenda (IDEA) 2022-2026, aims to establish Imo as Africa’s premier skills hub. The initiative’s goal is to train 300,000 Imolites in innovative, Industry 4.0 skills, preparing them for the evolving digital landscape.
Governor Uzodimma’s strong support for the project stems from its potential to achieve multiple objectives: positioning Imo State as a digital skills leader in Africa, addressing unemployment, and fostering the state’s digital economy.
