Abuja: The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has inaugurated Nigeria’s first chip design training programme, aimed at equipping young Nigerians with skills for emerging opportunities in semiconductor technology globally and across the country. Prof. Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary of NBTE, disclosed this at the Abuja inauguration on Tuesday, stating the initiative was created to bridge Nigeria’s widening skills gap in semiconductor chip design.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Bugaje explained that the programme would empower Nigerian youths to compete in the rapidly expanding technology sector, particularly in areas of Artificial Intelligence, robotics, banking systems, and advanced digital and industrial infrastructures. He emphasised the significant gap in chip design skills worldwide and highlighted Nigeria’s potential to fill these gaps locally without requiring individuals to leave the country.
The six-month programme will be delivered online, allowing participants to acquire industry-relevant expertise remotely while gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to the multibillion-dollar semiconductor industry globally. Bugaje added that while only a few countries manufactured semiconductor chips, design work could be carried out anywhere, providing Nigeria an entry point into global technological innovations and the lucrative semiconductor market.
He stated that the initiative aligned with Nigeria’s broader industrial and technological development goals, with NBTE aiming to position the country as a future hub for semiconductor design expertise. Bugaje projected that the programme could generate about 100 million dollars annually, potentially rising to one billion dollars within five years, significantly contributing to Nigeria’s economy and Gross Domestic Product.
The NBTE boss revealed that the programme costs about 7 million Naira per participant, roughly 5,000 dollars. However, NBTE subsidised half of the cost while partner companies would recover the balance after the successful employment of trainees. He encouraged young Nigerians to embrace emerging digital skills rather than solely relying on traditional career paths, emphasising that semiconductor technology forms the foundation of future technological advancements.
A software and robotics engineer, Dr. Salim Maaji, noted that the rapid growth of AI motivated his interest in chip design, as it ensures professionals remain relevant amidst rapidly evolving technology and transforming labour markets. Maaji highlighted the importance of microchips for AI functionality, suggesting that learning to design them allows individuals to become part of future developments rather than risk obsolescence.
Similarly, Dr. Mariam Idris, a data science researcher, pointed out that the intensive six-month programme offers advanced semiconductor training more accessible compared to traditional university programmes that often take several years to complete. Idris urged Nigerian youths to explore chip design as an emerging career path with high global demand and limited competition, advising participants to continually update their skills and track trends in AI and semiconductor innovation.