Benue targets digital workforce as BDIC, Cisco seal skills development deal

By Juliet Umeh

Benue State has taken a decisive step towards building a digitally skilled, globally competitive and future-ready workforce with the signing of a strategic digital skills training partnership between the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC) and the Cisco Networking Academy, a global digital skills and workforce development programme.

The partnership, which targets the training and certification of 23,000 youths across the state, was formalised at the Middle East and Africa, MEA, Cisco International Systems, CIS, Annual Partners Conference, held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BDIC, and President/Chief Executive Officer of AfDIC, Gbande-Hembaor Terwase, described the initiative as a strategic investment in the state’s future workforce.

“This partnership is about deliberately preparing Benue youths for the opportunities of the global digital economy. By aligning with the Cisco Networking Academy, we are giving our young people access to globally recognised skills and certifications that will make them competitive anywhere in the world,” Terwase said.

He noted that the collaboration aligns with the digital transformation agenda of Benue State Governor, Rev. Hyacinth Alia, who has consistently prioritised digital skills development as a catalyst for economic growth, youth empowerment and public sector reform.
According to Terwase, the partnership builds on foundations already laid by the current administration.

“Within the first year of this government, over 10,000 youths were enrolled in digital and technology-enabled skills training, while more than 40,000 civil servants are undergoing digital literacy and e-governance programmes. The Cisco partnership now gives these efforts global structure, scale and validation,” he added.

Under the agreement, 23,000 Benue youths will be trained biannually using Cisco’s globally accredited curricula in networking, cybersecurity, digital literacy and emerging technologies. Participants will earn internationally recognised certifications that enhance employability, remote work readiness and access to global job markets.

The Cisco Networking Academy operates in over 190 countries and has trained tens of millions of learners worldwide, with its certifications widely recognised by employers, governments and academic institutions.

Beyond youth empowerment, the partnership is expected to 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.