On Friday, October 10, 2025, the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre (EIICC) in Owerri, Imo State, will serve as the backdrop for a landmark occasion: the graduation ceremony of the SkillUpImo Cohort 3 participants. Considered one of the largest digital empowerment programmes out of Africa, SkillUpImo is rapidly shifting the narrative for young Nigerians, particularly in the South-East, by placing technology and digital skills at the heart of economic advancement.
SkillUpImo is an ambitious initiative launched under the administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma, managed by the Imo Ministry for Digital Economy and E-Government (IMDEEG). Its mission is clear—to empower the youth, transform the state into a digital powerhouse, and create sustainable jobs in the fast-moving tech sector. Spanning several months of hands-on learning, the programme reportedly shares similarities with digital bootcamps in Kenya, Ghana, and Rwanda, establishing Imo as a regional leader in technology-focused youth development.
The upcoming graduation, according to a press release from IMDEEG, promises to be more than a commemoration of academic achievement. As in previous cohorts, participants who have met the stringent requirements will be equipped with bespoke start-up kits provided by the Imo State Government. Each graduate receives tools, gadgets, or resources tailored to their specific area of specialisation—ranging from software programming and cyber security to graphic design and hardware maintenance. Experts say this move is intended to bridge the gap between learning and real-world practice, offering immediate pathways into entrepreneurship and the workforce.
The event is expected to attract high-profile guests, including federal ministers and national delegates. Their presence highlights the significance of SkillUpImo on both state and national agendas. In recent years, digital skills have become an essential component for employability. According to the World Bank, Nigeria faces an escalating youth unemployment crisis, with millions unable to access traditional job markets. SkillUpImo offers a proactive, skills-focused alternative, focusing on areas where the global demand for talent continues to rise rapidly.
To secure a coveted spot at the graduation ceremony, participants had to navigate a rigorous process. Official statements from the ministry confirm that requirements included attaining at least 65 percent in assessments, completing renowned professional certifications such as Cisco and Microsoft, and finalising their National Identification Number (NIN) verification. Moreover, active participation in all official programme activities was mandatory, underscoring the seriousness with which SkillUpImo treats both academic integrity and preparedness for the digital workplace.
Dr. Chimezie Amadi, the Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, addressed the graduands during a recent Facebook Live session. He assured the soon-to-be graduates that “every participant will be involved in the graduation celebrations and forthcoming activities,” urging them to view their accomplishment not as a destination but as the beginning of a journey. Dr. Amadi further highlighted the unique opportunity provided by Governor Uzodimma’s investment in digital empowerment, calling on the youth to respond with “gratitude and commitment.” According to Amadi, “By equipping young people with the tools to thrive in the digital world, the state government is laying a foundation for personal success and Imo’s technological future.”
Local perspectives echo this optimism, but not without tempered pragmatism. Chika Okoroafor, an Owerri-based tech entrepreneur, believes that while SkillUpImo is “a transformative leap for many young Nigerians,” the real impact will hinge on follow-up support and the availability of sustainable job opportunities. “It’s encouraging to see these investments, but long-term success requires policy consistency and a broader ecosystem that welcomes these new tech talents,” she explained.
SkillUpImo has already recorded several notable successes. According to a 2024 IMDEEG report, over 10,000 youths have been trained since its inception, with hundreds establishing their own startups or finding work in Nigeria’s growing digital economy. For instance, the story of Emmanuel Uche, a previous cohort graduate, testifies to the programme’s potential. Emmanuel now runs a small graphic design agency in Aba, providing jobs for three others and offering digital solutions to local businesses. “Without SkillUpImo, I’d never have had the confidence or resources to start,” Emmanuel shared in a recent interview.
Yet, challenges persist. Limited internet connectivity, the high cost of digital devices, and intermittent electricity supply remain obstacles for many young tech enthusiasts across Imo and Nigeria. Advocacy groups like Paradigm Initiative have called on state and federal governments to do more to address infrastructural bottlenecks, arguing that bridging these gaps is crucial for scaling digital empowerment initiatives not only in Imo, but nationwide.
Comparatively, Nigeria’s efforts align with broader trends in Africa, where countries like Kenya and Rwanda have attracted global attention for government-led digital skills programmes. As international organisations such as UNESCO and the African Union continue to highlight the importance of youth digital empowerment in tackling unemployment and boosting innovation, initiatives like SkillUpImo position Nigeria—and Imo State in particular—as a rising force in the continent’s evolving technological landscape.
Moving forward, stakeholders insist on the necessity of continuous learning and adaptation. As technology evolves, so do the skills required for success. Dr. Uche Eke, a Lagos-based digital transformation consultant, explains: “It’s important not only to celebrate the graduation, but also to set up structures for ongoing mentorship, upskilling, and industry linkage.” He recommends further collaboration with the private sector and international tech firms to amplify the successes achieved so far.
Ultimately, the upcoming SkillUpImo Cohort 3 graduation exemplifies both the hopes and challenges of digital empowerment in Nigeria. While thousands of Imolites celebrate a leap into the digital future, policymakers, business leaders, and civil society must continue to work hand-in-hand to ensure that this promise translates into lasting prosperity for all.
What do you think about digital skill initiatives like SkillUpImo? Are they enough to drive real change in youth employment across Nigeria and Africa? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know your views!
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