By 
By Nana Theresa Timothy
SBTS–DBI Training Kicks Off in Abuja and Enugu
The first cohort of the DBI and SBTS Intelligence Capacity Building Model (ICBM) training programme has officially commenced at the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) campuses in Enugu and Abuja, with about 200 Nigerian youths piloting the initiative.
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The programme, designed to upskill 50,000 participants over the next three years, focuses on Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), cybersecurity, and other fast-growing digital career paths.
A Partnership for Digital Empowerment
The ICBM programme stems from a strategic partnership signed in February 2025 between SBTS Group, DBI, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs & Poverty Reduction, and Peaceinvest (Switzerland). The collaboration aims to tackle Nigeria’s critical skills gap in cybersecurity and outsourcing — two industries projected to generate thousands of jobs and attract foreign investment.
According to SBTS officials in Abuja, the initiative is not only about teaching digital skills but also integrating Nigerian youth into the global digital economy. DBI reaffirmed its commitment to advancing digital literacy and workforce development, especially at a time when cybercrime is on the rise and outsourcing is shaping global business strategies.
First Cohort Brimming with Enthusiasm
Onboarding for the programme began on September 1st, with participants at both centres undergoing data verification, orientation, and interactive sessions.
One participant described the training as “different from the usual programmes in Nigeria,” urging others to join. Another noted the professionalism of facilitators and expressed confidence in the training’s structure and outcomes.
The training adopts a dual-session structure, offering flexible scheduling while ensuring high-quality engagement.
Addressing Nigeria’s Critical Skills Gap
Nigeria continues to face high youth unemployment despite a rapidly growing tech-savvy population and increasing internet penetration. The ICBM programme directly targets this gap, equipping young Nigerians with market-relevant skills that will enable them to compete in local and international job markets.
SBTS Group, known for its expertise in digital transformation projects across Africa, has positioned the programme as both a learning platform and an employment pipeline, ensuring that graduates can transition seamlessly into job placements.
National and Global Impact
Beyond training, the initiative has broader implications for Nigeria’s digital economy and global competitiveness. By producing 50,000 trained professionals, Nigeria could strengthen its position as a leading outsourcing destination in Africa while advancing the federal government’s digital economy agenda.
The choice of Enugu and Abuja as starting points reflects efforts to decentralize opportunities beyond Lagos, ensuring regional balance and inclusivity. Future cohorts will include both in-person and online sessions, expanding reach to even more Nigerian youths.
Building a Digital Workforce
For participants, the ICBM programme is more than training—it is an entry point into a global professional community. Many see it as an opportunity to escape unemployment, while others view it as a chance to scale their careers internationally.
With the first cohort now underway, expectations are high. If successful, the ICBM model could become a blueprint for workforce development across Africa, ensuring that Nigeria leverages its youthful population for innovation, employment, and economic growth.
