Benue State has signed a strategic partnership with Cisco Networking Academy aimed at expanding digital skills training for young people and public sector workers, as part of a broader push to modernize the state’s economy and government services.
The agreement was formalised at the Middle East and Africa (MEA) Cisco International Systems Annual Conference in Dubai, held from January 13 to 15, 2026. The deal was signed on behalf of the state by Gbande-Hembaor Terwase, Managing Director and CEO of the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC) and President of AfDIC.
Under the partnership, Benue plans to train around 23,000 youths every two years using Cisco’s globally recognised curriculum. The programme will focus on high-demand technology fields such as computer networking, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital literacy, and other emerging digital skills.
State officials say the initiative is designed to improve employability, open doors to remote and global job opportunities, and better prepare young people for careers in the digital economy.
Building on Benue’s Digital Transformation Drive
The collaboration builds on Governor Hyacinth Alia’s ongoing digital transformation agenda. In his first year in office, the state reportedly trained 10,000 youths in digital skills and provided e-governance and digital literacy training to more than 40,000 civil servants, with the goal of improving efficiency, transparency, and service delivery across government institutions.
Beyond youth training, the Cisco partnership will also support the continuous upskilling of government employees, as Benue works toward digitising public services and adopting data-driven administration.
A Global Platform with Local Impact
Cisco Networking Academy operates in over 190 countries and is widely recognised by employers and educational institutions worldwide. By tapping into this ecosystem, Benue hopes to connect its workforce to internationally accredited training and improve access to global technology career pathways.
Industry observers note that initiatives like this could play a meaningful role in reducing youth unemployment and preparing Nigeria’s workforce for the country’s rapidly evolving digital economy. However, they caution that long-term impact will depend on sustained funding, strong implementation, and measurable outcomes.
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