By Prince Osuagwu
More than 8,000 Nigerian youths have participated in the 18th edition of Aptech Career Quest, with over 200 aspiring technology and creative professionals receiving scholarships worth more than N701 million.
The initiative, organised by Aptech Nigeria in collaboration with Middlesex University London, is part of efforts to expose young Nigerians to career opportunities in technology, creative industries and international education.
Held from August 7 to 21, Career Quest featured physical sessions in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Enugu, Ibadan and Abeokuta, as well as two nationwide virtual sessions.
The programme provided participants with career guidance, practical learning opportunities, project showcases, scholarship opportunities and information on international education pathways.
This year’s edition also highlighted the progression pathway between Aptech and Middlesex University London through the Credit Transfer Facility, CTF, which enables eligible students to progress from selected Aptech programmes to undergraduate degree programmes in the UK.
Students enrolled in programmes including the Advanced Diploma in Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, ADSE AI, and Advanced Diploma in Multimedia & Animation, ADIM, can, subject to applicable requirements, progress to selected programmes such as BSc, Computer Networks, BSc, IT & Business Information Systems, BA Animation and BA Animation & Games.
Executive Vice President, International Business, Aptech Limited, Kallol Mukherjee, said the strong response to Career Quest reflected the growing interest among Nigerian youths in building careers in the digital economy.
He said: “Over the past 26 years, Aptech has remained committed to empowering students with practical, industry-relevant skills that prepare them for global opportunities.”
Mukherjee said the partnership with Middlesex University was further expanding international opportunities for Aptech students through access to globally recognised degree pathways.
According to him, Career Quest would continue to support the development of future-ready talent capable of contributing to Nigeria’s technology ecosystem while competing in the international labour market.
Aptech, which has operated in Nigeria for 26 years, currently has 72 centres nationwide and offers programmes in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, software development, cybersecurity, networking, cloud computing, Internet of Things, digital marketing, UI/UX, animation and 3D visualisation.
The company also offers fast-track technology courses and programmes for teenagers.
The 8,000-plus participation figure underscores the growing appetite among Nigerian youths for technology careers, but also highlights the challenge of converting such interest into practical, employable skills.
As demand rises for professionals in areas such as AI, software development, cybersecurity, data science and cloud computing, the focus is increasingly shifting from access to digital education to the acquisition of industry-relevant skills, recognised qualifications and practical experience.
Career Quest provides one avenue for bridging that gap by combining career guidance, technical training, scholarships and international progression opportunities for young Nigerians seeking a foothold in the digital economy.
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