More than 8,000 Nigerian youths took part in the 18th edition of Aptech Career Quest, with over 200 aspiring professionals in technology and the creative industry receiving scholarships valued at more than N701 million.
The programme, organised by Aptech Nigeria in partnership with Middlesex University London, was designed to help young Nigerians discover career opportunities in technology, creative fields and international education.
Held between August 7 and 21, the latest edition reached participants across Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Enugu, Ibadan and Abeokuta through physical sessions. Two additional virtual sessions were also held for participants across the country.
Career Quest offered participants access to career guidance, practical learning opportunities, project showcases and scholarship opportunities. It also provided information on pathways for Nigerians interested in pursuing further education abroad.
A major feature of this year’s programme was the Credit Transfer Facility, which highlights the academic progression opportunities available through the partnership between Aptech and Middlesex University London.
Under the arrangement, eligible students enrolled in selected Aptech programmes can potentially progress to undergraduate degree programmes at Middlesex University in the United Kingdom, subject to the institution’s applicable requirements.
The programmes include the Advanced Diploma in Software Engineering with Artificial Intelligence and the Advanced Diploma in Multimedia and Animation. Depending on eligibility, students may progress to selected degree programmes such as BSc Computer Networks, BSc Information Technology and Business Information Systems, BA Animation and BA Animation and Games.
Kallol Mukherjee, Executive Vice President of International Business at Aptech Limited, said the strong turnout at Career Quest reflected the increasing interest among Nigerian youths in developing careers within the digital economy.
He said Aptech has spent the past 26 years helping students develop practical and industry relevant skills that can prepare them for opportunities both within Nigeria and internationally.
Mukherjee also highlighted the partnership with Middlesex University London, saying it is creating additional opportunities for Aptech students through access to internationally recognised degree pathways.
According to him, Career Quest will continue to play a role in developing future ready professionals who can contribute to Nigeria’s growing technology sector while also competing for opportunities in the global labour market.
Aptech has operated in Nigeria for 26 years and currently has 72 centres across the country. Its training programmes cover areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, software development, cybersecurity, networking, cloud computing, Internet of Things, digital marketing, UI and UX, animation and 3D visualisation.
The company also provides fast track technology courses and specialised programmes designed for teenagers.
The participation of more than 8,000 young Nigerians highlights the growing demand for technology careers across the country. At the same time, it points to the need for more opportunities that can turn interest in digital careers into practical skills and meaningful employment.
As industries continue to seek professionals with expertise in artificial intelligence, software development, cybersecurity, data science and cloud computing, simply having access to digital education is no longer enough.
Young people increasingly need industry relevant skills, recognised qualifications and practical experience to compete effectively in a changing job market.
Through career guidance, technical learning, scholarships and international education pathways, Career Quest is seeking to bridge that gap and give more Nigerian youths an opportunity to build a future in the digital economy.
