In a big win for Nigeria’s digital future, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has inked a strategic partnership with SecDojo, a French cybersecurity training company, to boost the nation’s cyber defense systems.
This exciting collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), sets the stage for major capacity-building efforts aimed at transforming Nigeria into a cybersecurity powerhouse.
The partnership will lead to the creation of a Cybersecurity Academy that will offer cutting-edge training, simulation programs, tailored educational content, and cross-border research and knowledge exchange opportunities.
Speaking at the signing event, NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, hailed the deal as a “milestone moment” in securing Nigeria’s digital future. “We just signed an MoU with SecDojo to strengthen our national cybersecurity and enhance resilience,” he said.
Inuwa emphasized the urgent need to invest in human capital — the real engine behind any tech-driven innovation. With a massive youth population and a growing global demand for cybersecurity talent, Nigeria, he believes, has the perfect ingredients to lead.
“Globally, there’s a cybersecurity skills gap, but here in Nigeria, we have the numbers and the energy. With the right training, our youth can fill those roles and connect to the global value chain,” he said.
Beyond short-term fixes, Inuwa called for deeper systemic change — particularly the integration of digital and cybersecurity skills into Nigeria’s formal education system. He stressed that true impact will come from embedding these skills at every academic level, from primary schools to universities.
He cited the success of Cisco’s educational model, which enables Nigerian students to graduate with both academic degrees and professional certifications. “We need more dual-track learning models like this,” he said, while calling for more tech companies to get involved.
“This isn’t a one-vendor game. We’re welcoming open-source content and partnerships that align with our National Digital Literacy Framework. Google is already showing interest, and we’re excited for more players to join in,” he added.
On the other end, Mr. Benzagmout from SecDojo expressed confidence in the partnership and his company’s dedication to helping Nigeria craft a world-class cybersecurity ecosystem.
“We’re thrilled to work alongside NITDA and other stakeholders. Our goal is to bring top-notch training tools to support Nigerian professionals and help shape a national strategy for cyber readiness,” Benzagmout stated.
