The Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Cisco Networking Academy to accelerate digital transformation and human capital development in Benue State.
The collaboration and agreement formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Abuja, The agreement was formalised at the Middle East & Africa (MEA) Cisco International Systems (CIS) Annual Partners Conference, held at the Le Royal Méridien Resort, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 13th to 15th January 2026.
In a bid to revolutionize the state’s tech lanscape, the partnership launched a massive digital literacy campaign. The initiative is structured to train 23,000 residents biannually, creating a steady pipeline of 46,000 tech-certified professionals each year to drive the state’s digital economy and e-governance goals.
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The pact was executed by the Group Managing Director/CEO of the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), Mr. Gbande-Hembaor Terwase, during the high-level summit held at Le Royal Méridien Resort. Under the terms of the agreement, participants will be trained using Cisco’s globally accredited curricula in high-demand fields including Networking, Cybersecurity, and Emerging Technologies.
Terwase emphasized that the partnership is a direct outcome of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s “bold and intentional” digital transformation agenda.
Under the agreement, 23,000 Benue youths will be trained biannually using Cisco’s globally accredited curricula in networking, cybersecurity, digital literacy, and emerging technologies. Participants will earn internationally recognised certifications that significantly enhance employability, support remote work readiness, and open access to global job opportunities.
Speaking after the ceremony, the Managing Director and CEO of BDIC, Mr. Terwase Gbande Hembaor, described the agreement as a vital step in bridging the digital divide within the state. He noted that the partnership is designed to leverage Cisco’s world-class technical expertise to enhance digital literacy, improve broadband penetration, and provide specialized ICT training for the youth and professionals across Benue.
The initiative aligns with the broader strategic vision of the Benue State Government to position the state as a leading hub for digital innovation and economic growth. By focusing on skill acquisition and infrastructure, the BDIC aims to create a sustainable environment where technology serves as a catalyst for job creation and the modernization of traditional sectors like agriculture and commerce.
Mr. Hembaor further emphasized that this collaboration supports the “Renewed Hope” agenda of the Federal Government and complements the goals of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy. He highlighted that achieving meaningful digital inclusion requires strong institutional partnerships that can deliver practical results to the grassroots level.
The President and CEO of the Digital Bridge Institute, Mr. David Daser, who signed on behalf of the institute, expressed his commitment to ensuring the success of the partnership. As the training arm of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), DBI is expected to provide the necessary pedagogical and technical framework to upgrade Benue’s digital talent pool to international standards.
With the signing of this MoU, the BDIC is set to commence the rollout of various digital empowerment programs across the state’s three senatorial districts. Stakeholders believe that if properly implemented, the partnership will not only improve the ease of doing business in Benue but also equip its citizens with the requisite skills to participate in the global digital economy.
This collaboration provides a global validation of Benue’s ongoing digital investments. While the state has already initiated the training of 10,000 youths and 40,000 civil servants locally, the Cisco partnership introduces an internationally recognized framework. This ensures that the certifications earned by Benue youths are benchmarks recognized by employers in over 190 countries, facilitating remote work and global job placement.
Beyond youth-focused initiatives, the partnership will also bolster the state’s e-governance infrastructure. By leveraging Cisco’s world-class learning platforms and instructor development programs, the state aims to accelerate the state aims to accelerate data-driven decision-making and transparency within its civil service, ensuring that government employees are equipped to handle modern service delivery.
