GOMYCODE, a leading technology education provider, has announced a strategic partnership with Woolf University to offer a globally recognized Master of Science in Computer Science with a specialization in Software Engineering. This collaboration is set to provide Nigerian tech professionals with advanced qualifications and open doors to global career opportunities. GOMYCODE, known for its innovative approach to equipping individuals with in-demand digital skills, has joined forces with Woolf University, a global collegiate higher education institution committed to democratizing access to quality education. Together, they aim to deliver a flexible and accessible master’s program tailored for working professionals and ambitious individuals seeking career advancement. Speaking on the partnership, Yahya Bouhlel, Co-founder of GOMYCODE, emphasized its importance in today’s competitive tech landscape. “Advanced degrees are increasingly essential. This partnership allows us to provide a flexible, world-class education that empowers our students to achieve their career aspirations, whether locally or globally,” he said. The program combines Woolf University’s rigorous academic standards with GOMYCODE’s hands-on, industry-relevant training approach. It is designed for professionals looking to enhance their qualifications, explore global job markets, or even consider emigration opportunities requiring advanced degrees. The master’s program is structured to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals. Delivered online, it allows learners to balance their studies with existing commitments while benefiting from high-quality instruction and practical learning experiences. Naveen Jangir, Head of Strategy and Growth at Woolf University, highlighted the shared mission behind the collaboration. “Our goal is to democratize education by providing accessible, accredited degrees to learners worldwide. This partnership aligns perfectly with that vision and will equip Nigerian tech professionals with the skills and credentials they need to thrive globally,” he explained. Babatunde Olaifa, Country Head of GOMYCODE Nigeria, underscored the significance of this initiative for the local tech community. “This collaboration represents a significant leap forward for tech education in Nigeria. By offering a globally recognized master’s degree, we are empowering professionals to compete on an international scale,” he said. He added that the program would help individuals unlock new career opportunities while contributing to the broader growth of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. This announcement comes as GOMYCODE continues its expansion efforts in Nigeria. The organization recently launched a new flagship hackerspace in Lagos, a modern facility designed to foster innovation and collaboration among tech enthusiasts and professionals.
NITDA partners with Jigawa State to equip Almajiri children with digital skills
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has joined forces with the Jigawa State Government to launch a groundbreaking initiative aimed at equipping Almajiri and out-of-school children with essential digital skills. This innovative project was unveiled during a meeting at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Design Studio, where NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, hosted Abubakar Maje Hamisu, the Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Tsangaya Education Board. The initiative seeks to modernize the Almajiri education system by integrating digital literacy into traditional Quranic learning. As part of the plan, Jigawa State will establish three mega schools, each capable of accommodating 4,000 students. These schools will combine conventional Islamic education with technology training, preparing students for a rapidly evolving digital world. Speaking about the project, Hamisu emphasized its transformative potential: “The initiative aims to bridge the digital divide, empowering Almajiri children with knowledge that will enhance their future opportunities and improve their socioeconomic conditions.” The program is designed as a pilot project that could be scaled nationwide if successful. It aligns with broader government efforts to reform the Almajiri system, historically plagued by underfunding and inadequate facilities. The Almajiri system, a traditional form of Islamic education prevalent in northern Nigeria, has faced significant challenges over the years. Many schools lack basic infrastructure, such as proper buildings, reliable electricity, and internet access, key components for any modern educational institution. Additionally, issues like unqualified staff and poor management have further eroded the quality of education provided. To address these systemic problems, President Muhammadu Buhari signed a bill in 2023 establishing the National Commission for Almajiri Education and Out-of-School Children. This commission aims to integrate literacy, vocational skills training, and entrepreneurship programs into the Almajiri curriculum. The goal is to reduce youth poverty and create pathways for economic empowerment while steering vulnerable children away from crime. Sponsored by Balarabe Shehu Kakale and 18 others, the bill advocates for a holistic approach to education that combines traditional learning with practical skills development. The newly formed commission will oversee these programs to ensure children and teenagers have better access to quality education and opportunities. While the digital skills initiative is a step forward, it faces significant hurdles due to longstanding infrastructural deficiencies in Tsangaya schools, the Islamic educational framework under which most Almajiri schools operate. Many of these schools lack adequate hostels, emergency facilities, and even basic resources like food and medical care. These issues have discouraged enrollment and undermined the welfare of students and staff alike. To succeed, Jigawa’s new mega schools must overcome these chronic challenges by providing state-of-the-art facilities and resources that support both traditional and digital learning environments. This collaboration between NITDA and Jigawa State represents a bold vision for transforming education in Nigeria. By combining digital literacy with Quranic studies, the program aims to prepare Almajiri children for a future where technology plays an increasingly central role in society. Together with the recently passed legislation supporting practical skills training and entrepreneurship education, this initiative offers hope for addressing poverty and creating sustainable opportunities for vulnerable children across Nigeria. If executed effectively, it could serve as a model for educational reform not just in northern Nigeria but across the entire country.
Morocco launches nationwide AI education initiative to power digital economy vision
Morocco’s government unveiled a comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI) education program for primary and secondary schools on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. The initiative forms the cornerstone of the country’s Digital Morocco 2030 strategy, which aims to position the nation as Africa’s premier digital economy hub while creating 270,000 tech-focused jobs by the end of the decade. Spearheaded by Digital Transition Minister Amal El Fallah-Seghrouchni, the program will introduce age-appropriate AI literacy modules and hands-on digital skills training across 12,000 public schools. Students aged 8–18 will participate in workshops covering machine learning basics, robotics programming, and ethical AI development through partnerships with leading global tech firms. “This national program goes beyond gadgetry – we’re cultivating digital citizenship,” Minister El Fallah-Seghrouchni stated during the memorandum signing ceremony in Rabat. “From cybersecurity hygiene to algorithmic problem-solving, we’re equipping young Moroccans to both thrive in and shape tomorrow’s digital landscape.” The education overhaul coincides with plans for a dedicated coding academy in Fez-Meknes, scheduled to open in late 2026. The $120 million facility will offer intensive two-year programs in emerging fields like quantum computing and blockchain development, with 40% of seats reserved for female students. Early-stage initiatives already show promise: pilot coding clubs in Casablanca and Marrakesh have produced student-developed apps addressing local challenges like water conservation and Arabic-language AI tutors for rural communities. Economic Transformation Through Digital SovereigntyMorocco’s tech push aligns with concrete economic targets: Quadruple digital exports to $4 billion annually by 2030 Cultivate 3,000 homegrown startups, including potential billion-dollar “unicorns” Achieve 85% digital literacy among 18–35 year olds To fuel this growth, Rabat is implementing tax holidays for AI-focused ventures and streamlined business registration through its “Digital Sandbox” portal. The government has also committed $900 million to upgrade rural broadband infrastructure, targeting nationwide 5G coverage by 2027. While urban tech hubs flourish, officials emphasize inclusive development. The AI curriculum rollout includes teacher training programs for 45,000 educators and mobile coding labs that will visit remote villages weekly. “True innovation thrives on diversity,” noted Education Minister Samira Dlimi during a recent teacher workshop. “Whether a student dreams of launching a med-tech startup in Tangier or optimizing agriculture algorithms in the Atlas Mountains – this program provides the tools.” As Morocco positions itself at the forefront of Africa’s digital revolution, analysts predict the education reforms could reshape regional economic dynamics. With 60% of its population under 25, the nation’s bet on youth-driven tech innovation may soon establish it as both a talent exporter and a magnet for global AI investment.
JAMB announces March 12 start date for 2025 Direct Entry registration
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced that the sale of application forms for the 2025 Direct Entry (DE) admissions will commence on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. This critical update comes just days after the closure of registration for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), which saw over 2.03 million candidates sign up for the standardized tertiary institution entrance test. Direct Entry Registration: Who Is Eligible?The Direct Entry program caters to candidates with advanced qualifications beyond the secondary school level, such as National Diplomas (ND), National Certificates of Education (NCE), university degrees, or internationally recognized A-Level certificates. These candidates bypass the traditional UTME and gain direct admission into the second year of undergraduate programs at Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. JAMB emphasized that registration will be conducted exclusively through its accredited Professional Registration Centres (PRCs) nationwide. The board warned against fraudulent practices, stating that a dedicated committee will rigorously verify all submitted A-Level certificates and qualifications. “Any candidate found with falsified documents will face prosecution,” said Fabian Benjamin, JAMB’s Public Communications Advisor, in a statement released on Monday. JAMB has mandated higher institutions to independently verify candidates’ certificates before finalizing admissions. This measure aims to address recurring issues of forged credentials, which have previously compromised admission fairness. The board also reiterated that the National Identification Number (NIN) remains compulsory for all registrations, aligning with federal directives to streamline identity verification. JAMB reported a total of 2,030,627 registrations for the 2025 UTME, alongside 200,115 applications for the Mock-UTME and 630 trial mock exam participants. These figures underscore the sustained demand for tertiary education in Nigeria, despite infrastructural and logistical challenges. The board’s adoption of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) continues to play a pivotal role in reducing malpractice and expediting result processing. Established in 1978, JAMB serves as Nigeria’s central body for tertiary institution admissions, overseeing policies, conducting entrance exams, and ensuring compliance with national education standards. Its shift to CBT in 2015 marked a significant leap toward digitizing the examination process, though technical glitches and registration bottlenecks remain occasional hurdles. Prospective Direct Entry applicants are advised to gather original academic certificates and visit accredited PRCs ahead of the March 12 registration launch. JAMB has not yet announced a deadline for DE applications but urged candidates to avoid last-minute rushes to prevent errors. With over two million students vying for limited university slots annually, JAMB’s transparency reforms aim to level the playing field. As Benjamin noted, “Our priority is to ensure every qualified candidate secures admission based on merit, not manipulation.” This announcement reaffirms JAMB’s commitment to maintaining rigorous standards in Nigeria’s education sector, even as stakeholders call for expanded capacity to accommodate the country’s growing youth population.