Moshood Lawal, Founder and CEO of MS Virtual Academy, and Yisa Sultan Folawe, Co-founder and Operations Manager, have stressed the need for more practical digital training to help young Nigerians compete in the modern job market.
Speaking on “Bridging the Digital Skills Gap: The Business of Creating Opportunities for Young Nigerians,” Lawal said there is a significant gap between the theoretical knowledge acquired in many tertiary institutions and the practical skills employers require.
He said MS Virtual Academy was created to bridge that gap through hands-on training, real-life projects and structured learning designed to prepare young people for employment and entrepreneurship.
Folawe identified unstable electricity, poor internet access and lack of structured guidance as some of the major challenges facing aspiring tech professionals.
He explained that the academy offers tuition-free training through scholarships, with sustainability supported through strategic partnerships.
The guests also stressed the importance of practical projects and portfolios, noting that certificates alone may not be enough to secure employment.
They encouraged young Nigerians to develop skills in areas such as web development, data analysis, digital marketing, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, while also learning how to use AI to improve their productivity.
According to them, the digital economy presents significant opportunities for young Nigerians, but accessing those opportunities requires practical skills, continuous learning and the ability to demonstrate what one can do.
They urged interested youths to take the first step by identifying a digital skill, developing expertise and seeking practical opportunities to build their portfolios.
