BDIC Partners Cisco Networking Academy to Train Benue Youths in Digital Skills

Benue State has recorded a major milestone in its digital transformation journey with the signing of a strategic digital skills training partnership between the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company and the Cisco Networking Academy.

The agreement was formalised at the Middle East and Africa Cisco International Systems Annual Partners Conference held at the Le Royal Méridien Resort, Dubai, from 13 to 15 January 2026.

The partnership was executed by the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BDIC and President and Chief Executive Officer of AfDIC, Gbande-Hembaor Terwase, AFCPN. It represents a significant step in Benue State’s drive to build a digitally skilled, globally competitive and future-ready workforce.

The initiative is a direct outcome of the digital transformation agenda of Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Executive Governor of Benue State, who has prioritised digital skills development as a catalyst for economic growth, youth empowerment and public sector reform.

Within the first year of the administration, the Benue State Government launched a programme to train 10,000 youths in digital and technology-enabled skills, alongside ongoing digital literacy and e-governance training for more than 40,000 civil servants to modernise public service delivery, improve efficiency and strengthen transparency across government institutions.

The collaboration with Cisco Networking Academy provides global validation and strategic reinforcement for the state’s investments in digital human capital development.

It introduces an internationally recognised framework to scale, standardise and internationalise Benue State’s digital skills programmes, aligning them with global industry standards and labour market needs.

Under the agreement, 23,000 Benue youths will be trained on a biannual basis using Cisco’s globally accredited curricula in networking, cybersecurity, digital literacy and emerging technologies.

Participants will earn internationally recognised certifications designed to enhance employability, support remote work readiness and unlock access to global job opportunities.

Cisco Networking Academy is one of the world’s largest digital skills and workforce development platforms, operating in more than 190 countries and having trained tens of millions of learners worldwide.

Its certifications in networking, cybersecurity, cloud computing and IT essentials are widely recognised by employers, governments and academic institutions as benchmarks for industry-ready skills.

Beyond youth empowerment, the partnership will strengthen government capacity through continuous digital upskilling of civil servants, accelerating Benue State’s transition to e-governance, data-driven decision-making and digitally enabled service delivery.

Access to Cisco’s learning platforms, instructor development programmes and industry-relevant certifications positions Benue State as a leading subnational government in digital human capital development in Nigeria and across Africa.

The signing of the agreement at the MEA Cisco International Systems Annual Partners Conference in Dubai underscores Benue State’s growing international profile in digital infrastructure, skills development and governance innovation.

It reflects a deliberate strategy to leverage global technology partnerships to drive inclusive growth, reduce unemployment and prepare the workforce for the future of work.

With this partnership, Benue State further consolidates its digital transformation agenda, translating policy vision into structured, scalable and globally competitive outcomes.

The collaboration with Cisco Networking Academy stands as a clear testament to the commitment of the Benue State Government to building a resilient digital economy and empowering its people for the opportunities of the digital age.