At Spark9ja, we believe every young Nigerian has the spark to ignite their own digital future. We’re here to provide the fuel and the flame
Spark9ja: Igniting the Digital Future of Nigeria
In a world where technology shapes destinies, Spark 9ja emerges as a beacon of hope, empowering Nigerian youth to seize the opportunities of the digital age. Born from CINDRAN’s unwavering commitment to ethical data innovation, we stand at the forefront of a transformative movement that bridges the digital divide and unlocks the untapped potential of our nation’s future leaders.
“The digital revolution is upon us, and Nigeria’s youth hold the key to unlocking its potential. Spark9ja is the bridge, connecting them to the skills and opportunities they need to lead the way.”
Thompson Ikechukwu
Project Lead @ Spark9ja
Our Path to Progress
charting our course
Our Mission
Spark9ja's mission is to bridge the digital skills gap in Nigeria by holistically empowering young Nigerians with the tools and knowledge they need to become active contributors to the nation's socio-economic development.
Our Vision
To create an inclusive, sustainable digital ecosystem where every Nigerian youth, regardless of background, has equal access to the skills, tools, and opportunities needed to thrive in the 21st-century economy.
Our GOAL
Spark9ja aims to empower 5000 Nigerian youth with market-driven digital skills within five years through a blended online learning, community-based tech hub, and industry partnership approach
The Challenge
Nigeria’s vibrant tech sector holds immense promise, yet a stark digital skills gap threatens to leave our youth behind. With 69% lacking basic digital literacy and 60% under-skilled or unskilled, this divide perpetuates inequalities and hinders both individual and national progress. At Spark 9ja, we refuse to let potential go untapped. We rise to this challenge, armed with the conviction that every young Nigerian deserves the chance to shape our digital future.
Our core values that drive everything we do
Inclusivity
Promoting equal access to digital skills for all Nigerian youth, regardless of background.
Collaboration
Fostering partnerships and a strong community to support digital skills development.
Innovation
Embracing cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to deliver impactful digital skills training.
Integrity
Maintaining the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship.
Empowerment
Equipping youth with the tools and confidence to succeed in the digital economy and drive change.
Agility
Adapting to the evolving digital landscape to ensure the relevance and effectiveness of our program.
Our Approach
Spark 9ja is more than just a training program; it’s a transformative journey that combines the power of cutting-edge e-learning with the support of community-driven tech hubs. Our comprehensive curriculum, developed in collaboration with industry leaders, equips participants with the most sought-after digital skills. From website development and software development to data science and digital marketing, we prepare our graduates to excel in the careers of tomorrow.
But we don’t stop at technical skills. We nurture a holistic approach, providing mentorship, career guidance, and access to a thriving network of professionals. Our tech hubs, strategically located in 10 major cities, serve as vibrant spaces for collaboration, innovation, and hands-on learning. Here, aspiring tech leaders find not just knowledge, but a supportive community that fuels their growth.
Empowering Inclusion
At Spark 9ja, we firmly believe that diversity is our strength. We actively champion the inclusion of underserved groups, with a special focus on young women and girls. By ensuring 50% female participation, we shatter gender stereotypes and create a tech ecosystem that reflects the rich tapestry of our society. We also reach out to rural communities, unemployed graduates, and other marginalized youth, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital revolution.
FAQs
Q. What is Spark 9ja?
Spark 9ja is a transformative initiative of CINDRAN (Center for Inclusive Development Research and Analytics) that aims to bridge the digital skills gap in Nigeria by providing free, high-quality digital skills training to Nigerian youth.
Q. Who is eligible to apply for Spark 9ja?
Nigerian youth aged 18-35, with a focus on underserved groups such as women, girls, rural communities, and unemployed graduates, are eligible to apply for Spark 9ja.
Q. What kind of digital skills will be taught in the program?
Spark 9ja offers a comprehensive curriculum covering Data Science, software development, data analytics, Machine Learning Engineer, Cloud Computing and other in-demand digital technology skills.
Q. How can I apply for Spark 9ja?
Interested candidates can apply online through the Spark 9ja website (www.spark9ja.cindran.com) by filling out the application form and submitting the required documents.
Q. What are the selection criteria for Spark 9ja participants?
Selection is based on a combination of factors, including the applicant's motivation, potential, and commitment to learning, as well as their socio-economic background and the program's diversity and inclusion goals.