Aptech boosts youth employability with structured IT, AI programmes

…says Nigerian youth can earn foreign exchange through global IT jobs

Aptech, a global computer and IT training provider, has reaffirmed its commitment to equipping Nigerian youth with globally relevant digital skills, saying structured IT and artificial intelligence programmes can position them to earn foreign exchange while working for companies across the world.

Rajeev Venugopal, Chief Executive Officer of Aptech Canada and Aptech Nigeria, stated this on Monday in Abuja during the opening of the company’s new learning centre at Jahi.

Venugopal said the institution’s focus is to ensure that every student who passes through its programmes acquires practical, employable skills that are globally recognised.

“Aptech offers the latest technologies for Nigerian youth. We ensure that every student is empowered with employable skills that are recognised all over the world. This is a great opportunity for Nigerian youth to gain skills that make them employable anywhere,” he said.

He explained that the centre offers a structured two-year Advanced Diploma in Software Engineering programme, which covers emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analysis, networking and multimedia.

According to him, after completing the two-year programme in Nigeria, students have the option of proceeding abroad for a one-year top-up degree programme in partner institutions in the United Kingdom, Germany, Mauritius, Dubai or India, enabling them to obtain an international degree within three years.

Venugopal noted that the model combines hands-on, instructor-led classroom training with access to digital learning resources, ensuring that students gain practical experience rather than just theoretical knowledge.

“With IT skills, graduates can work remotely for foreign companies from Nigeria and earn foreign exchange. The demand for skilled professionals is global, and the doors are open everywhere for focused and serious students,” he said.

He disclosed that Aptech has operated in Nigeria for over 25 years and has trained more than 100,000 students, many of whom are now employed in multinational firms or have established technology startups that employ other Nigerians.

While describing education as an investment rather than an expense, the CEO said the institution remains one of the most affordable pathways to an international degree compared to private universities.

He added that the organisation awards scholarships annually through its career initiatives, revealing that it granted scholarships worth up to N500 million last year and plans to roll out another round later this year. The company is also in discussions with international organisations to secure additional sponsorships for Nigerian students.

Venugopal stressed that Aptech’s programmes are designed to complement Nigeria’s formal education system by providing industry-ready skills that many graduates lack upon leaving university.

“Nigerian youth are blessed with analytical and logical thinking skills, as well as strong English proficiency. With the right technical training, they can overcome unemployment and compete globally,” he said.

He reiterated that the institution offers both short-term professional courses for working individuals seeking certification upgrades and long-term diploma programmes for school leavers, all aimed at enhancing employability in the rapidly evolving global technology sector.