Abuja: The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SecDojo, a French-based company specializing in cybersecurity training and upskilling, to enhance cybersecurity resilience and establish a cybersecurity academy.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mrs. Hadiza Umar, Head of Corporate Affairs and External Relations at NITDA, announced in a statement that the agreement was signed at the ongoing Gulf International Technology and Exhibition (GITEX) Africa in Marrakech, Morocco. The MoU, signed by the Director-General of NITDA, Malam Kashifu Inuwa, and Mr. Younes Benzagmout, CEO of SecDojo, aims to bolster national security by building digital trust and safeguarding Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
Umar noted that the partnership is designed to strengthen national resilience against cyber threats through targeted capacity-building initiatives. The collaboration will focus on establishing a Cybersecurity Academy, delivering advanced training and simulation programs, and fostering the development of customized curricula, educational resources, research facilitation, knowledge sharing, and professional exchange programs.
Inuwa, speaking at the MoU signing, expressed optimism that this partnership would mark a significant milestone in securing Nigeria’s digital future. He emphasized that as Nigeria continues its digital transformation journey, investing in human capital is essential for the desired technological growth in the innovative ecosystem. He highlighted the global demand for cybersecurity professionals and the need for Nigeria to address this gap by training its young population and connecting them to the global value chain.
Inuwa also stressed the importance of integrating digital skills into Nigeria’s formal education systems, involving key stakeholders such as the Federal Ministry of Education. He explained that while NITDA currently offers skills acceleration programs, these critical digital competencies need to be embedded into the national education framework to prepare for the future.
Benzagmout expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration and reaffirmed SecDojo’s commitment to working closely with Nigerian stakeholders. He stated that the partnership would bring SecDojo’s innovative training platforms and methodologies to support Nigeria’s cybersecurity professionals and contribute to a comprehensive national cyber capacity-building strategy.
GITEX Africa, the largest technology and startup exhibition in Africa, is taking place in Morocco from April 14 to April 16, attracting industry players, academia, and investors among other participants.