Growing demand for digital skills draws over 8,000 Nigerian students to Aptech career quest

Growing demand for digital skills in Nigeria has drawn more than 8,000 students to the 18th edition of Aptech Career Quest, as young Nigerians increasingly seek training and career pathways in technology and the creative economy. The programme, organised by Aptech Nigeria in partnership with Middlesex University London, also awarded scholarships worth more than N701 million to over 200 aspiring technology and creative professionals, highlighting the rising appetite for industry-relevant skills and international education opportunities. The programme brought students into contact with emerging opportunities in artificial intelligence (AI), software development, cybersecurity, data science, cloud computing, networking and digital creative services, while also providing information on international education and career pathways. Physical sessions were held in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Enugu, Ibadan and Abeokuta, followed by two nationwide online sessions that extended the programme to students beyond the host cities. The strong turnout comes as demand for technology professionals continues to expand, with employers increasingly placing greater emphasis on practical, job-ready skills alongside conventional academic qualifications. Beyond career counselling, Career Quest participants were exposed to project showcases, practical learning opportunities, scholarship schemes and international progression routes designed to improve their employability and access to the global technology market. A key feature of this year’s programme was the progression pathway between Aptech and Middlesex University London. Through the Credit Transfer Facility (CTF), eligible students can progress from selected Aptech programmes into internationally recognised undergraduate degree programmes in the United Kingdom, subject to applicable admission and programme requirements. Students enrolled in programmes such as the Advanced Diploma in Software Engineering – Artificial Intelligence (ADSE AI) and Advanced Diploma in Multimedia & Animation (ADIM) can progress to selected degree programmes, including BSc (Hons) Computer Networks, BSc (Hons) IT & Business Information Systems, BA Animation and BA Animation & Games. The pathway gives students pursuing career-focused technology and creative programmes an alternative route to international higher education while combining technical training with formal degree qualifications. Scholarships were among the biggest attractions of this year’s Career Quest, with more than 200 students receiving awards with a combined value exceeding N701 million. The scholarship awards are expected to lower the cost barrier for young Nigerians seeking specialised training in technology and creative disciplines, particularly those looking for alternatives to traditional education pathways. Kallol Mukherjee, executive vice president, International Business, Aptech Limited, said the response to Career Quest demonstrated the growing aspirations of Nigerian youths to build careers in the digital economy. “Over the past 26 years, Aptech has remained committed to empowering students with practical, industry-relevant skills that prepare them for global opportunities,” Mukherjee said. He said the partnership with Middlesex University was expanding the international opportunities available to Aptech students through access to globally recognised degree pathways. According to Mukherjee, initiatives such as Career Quest would continue to support the development of future-ready talent capable of contributing to Nigeria’s technology ecosystem while competing in the international labour market. As Nigeria’s digital economy expands, businesses and industry stakeholders have increasingly emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between training institutions, employers and international education providers. The focus is consequently shifting from simply expanding access to digital education towards ensuring that learners acquire practical competencies, recognised qualifications and exposure to real-world industry requirements. For Nigeria’s technology and creative sectors, the ability to build a larger pool of skilled workers will remain critical as businesses adopt AI, cloud technologies, cybersecurity systems, data-driven operations and other digital tools. Aptech’s Career Quest provides one channel for connecting young Nigerians to career guidance, technical training, scholarships and international progression opportunities at a time when digital skills are becoming increasingly important to employability and the country’s broader economic competitiveness. Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date Open In Whatsapp