Nigerians have taken to popular micro-blogging site, Instagram, to debate the Federal Government partnership with technology giant, Microsoft Corporation which aims to equip at least five million Nigerians digital upskilling programmes in three years.
Hundreds of Instagram users on Sunday gathered in the comment section of a post by popular news site, Instablog9ja, to share their views on the development.
Over 5,000 Nigerians liked the post in the first few hours and this outweighs the number of comments. While many Nigerians applauded the Federal Government and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, for the initiative, others raised questions on how the programme will be equitable and effectively executed.
Recall that Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo had met with Microsoft Corporation President, Mr Brad Smith, earlier in the year. The partnership with Microsoft Corporation anchored on connectivity, skilling and digital transformation.
Osinbajo said the Muhammadu Buhari administration was partnering with the tech giant to accelerate Nigeria’s certain advance towards a more digital economy in line with the Economic Sustainability Plan.
Also, locations in each of the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria would enjoy active internet connection and cloud services courtesy of this digital transformation plan.
The launch of the Microsoft partnership is a critical component of FG’s objective of expanding broadband connectivity, which is by itself, a major pillar of Economic Sustainability Plan in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the VP said.
“The multiplier effect of the Microsoft partnership will bring opportunities in rural and urban areas to many young people and will help us deal with unemployment problems made worse by the pandemic.
“Leveraging Microsoft’s Technology tools which can be deployed to minimize governance risks and block loopholes, working with the EFCC, FG seeks to use cutting-edge analytical and case management tools to plug holes in the public sector system as well as confront white-collar criminality efficiently,” Osinbajo added.
On his part, the President of Microsoft Corporation, Mr Brad Smith said, “We believe in the future of Nigeria and we are excited as a company to add to our investments. It is a country we have had the opportunity to get to know better over the last few years.”
Hundreds of Nigerians have since taken to Instagram to commend the Federal Government for the initiative.
A user, katennajii, wrote, “This is a very good development. This Microsoft partnership will surely bring about more jobs for Nigerians which is very important.”
“I’m excited that Microsoft is coming to Nigeria. More jobs for youths,” stated tise.jay
Another user, ayotundeolaoye, said, “This is indeed a great blessing for the country as many of our youth will be given employment and internet will be accessed all the geo political zones of the country.”
sexy_bola said, “We need more of this partnership in Nigeria. Technology is the future of any developing or develop country must not lag behind, am happy Nigeria is not lagging behind.”
adegbiteolubunmi99 wrote, “This is a very huge technological step for the country. All those unpatriotic Nigerians that smeared their country coz of Ghana can hang their head low on this.”
Iambrightest hailed the Vice-President, saying, “I like this man. And I like that he’s thinking fast and straight, especially in the area of tech to empower Nigerian youths.”
Meanwhile, some users raised questions as to how effective the programme will be due to the country’s electricity situation. Others also asked how the selection process will be conducted.
Iquolizer said, “Digital connectivity without steady electricity is super impossibility.”
Closetfigure wrote, “Give us adequate electricity…Industrialize this country to fight unemployment!”
“After acquiring the digital skills, which industries will they work. We need need to build industries and warehouses and produce what we consume or use most in this country that’s the only way to move this country forward,” smarthome.ng opined.
However, a user, kebbi_tradershub, urged other users to be objective in their criticisms.
The user said, “I don’t understand you people now. So if we criticize government where they are wrong, can’t we appreciate them when they do good? Please let be objective in our criticism, when you cannot objectively think and judge, believe me your education is useless. Let’s hope for better Nigeria for our own good, the more we spread negativity the more negative things we get, aren’t you all tired of all this situation we are in?”
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