Nigeria needs more than 68,000 additional cybersecurity professionals to protect its expanding digital infrastructure, according to Rick Huijbregts, Chief Growth and Operating Officer of Protexxa and Programme Director for Cyber Nations.
Huijbregts disclosed this on Tuesday during the graduation ceremony of more than 100 participants who completed the Cyber Nations programme in Bauchi State.
The event, held at the Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre in Bauchi, celebrated the graduates' completion of an intensive six-month training programme designed to equip them with practical cybersecurity skills.
Over 100 Participants Complete Intensive Training
The graduates underwent a hybrid learning programme that combined virtual lessons with face-to-face collaboration. According to Huijbregts, each participant committed more than 800 hours to training and study throughout the programme.
He said Cyber Nations had set out to provide training that meets international standards while preparing participants for professional opportunities in the cybersecurity industry.
“We promised to deliver a programme that meets international standards and to hold our students to the same high benchmarks expected of professionals anywhere in the world,” he said.
Huijbregts added that the initiative was designed to create new opportunities for participants who completed the demanding course.
Reflecting on the graduates' efforts, he praised their determination to continue learning despite the challenges of balancing education with work, family responsibilities, and unreliable electricity and internet connectivity.
He noted that some participants also had to care for young children while completing their studies.
According to him, their ability to overcome these difficulties demonstrated the commitment required to succeed in the cybersecurity profession.
“Their certifications are evidence of their dedication, which is why I can say this cohort ranks among the most impressive groups we have worked with globally,” Huijbregts said.
Cybersecurity Skills Critical to Digital Development
Huijbregts stressed that developing a skilled cybersecurity workforce is essential as Nigeria and other countries increasingly rely on digital systems to deliver services and support economic activities.
He explained that the security of digital infrastructure depends on having qualified professionals capable of protecting systems against cyber threats and maintaining public confidence in technology.
“Cybersecurity skills are not merely an accessory to digital transformation; they are its foundation,” he said.
“Every system a government digitises depends on whether people can trust it. Without skilled professionals to secure these systems, progress remains fragile.”
His remarks highlight the importance of investing in cybersecurity education as public institutions, businesses and other organisations expand their use of digital platforms.
Growing Demand for Cybersecurity Professionals
The reported shortage of more than 68,000 professionals points to the need for more training opportunities and a stronger pipeline of skilled workers in Nigeria's cybersecurity sector.
A shortage of qualified personnel can make it harder for organisations to identify vulnerabilities, respond to cyberattacks and safeguard sensitive information.
Expanding professional training programmes could help prepare more Nigerians for roles in cybersecurity while supporting the country's broader digital development goals.
The graduation of the Bauchi participants marks a step in that direction, with more than 100 newly trained individuals completing a programme focused on building internationally aligned cybersecurity capabilities.
However, addressing the wider skills gap will require sustained efforts to train, certify and develop professionals who can meet the evolving security needs of Nigeria's digital economy.
Source: BusinessDay