The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) has partnered with Learnpally Education, a digital transformation company, in order to drive global digital learning for universities and professionals throughout Africa, as well as to advance digital education across the continent.

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the firm in Akure, the Ondo State capital, will see FUTA pilot two short certificate programmes on the Learnpally platform: Data Analysis with Excel and a Professional Certificate in Cybersecurity, Framework, and Governance.

With the cybersecurity course divided into three modules covering fundamentals and risk management, frameworks and implementation, as well as governance, ethics and compliance, both courses will be certified by FUTA and open to learners across Africa and beyond.

Speaking at the signing, FUTA Vice-Chancellor Prof. Adenike Oladiji stated that the deal aligns with the university’s mission of expanding technology-driven education.

Oladiji added that students and alumni of the university will also enjoy discounts of up to 70 per cent.

She said, “At FUTA, we are dedicated to shaping Africa’s future through technology-driven education,” Oladiji said. “Partnering with Learnpally allows us to extend our knowledge base to a global audience while empowering students and professionals with industry-relevant skills.”

The co-founder and CEO of Learnpally, Aboluwarin Olaoluwa Kitan David, described the MoU as a “milestone” for digital transformation in African higher education.

“Our mission is to make leading universities in emerging markets globally competitive in the digital age. This MoU with FUTA is a milestone in that journey, demonstrating how long-standing institutions can export knowledge while preparing young people with skills that match the demands of the future workplace.

“Learnpally, through its education arm, works with universities to digitise courses and make them available to a pan-African and international audience. It also provides financing for postgraduate students in Europe and North America through Learnpally Finance, as well as digital workplace tools for faculties and students.

“Under the revenue-sharing agreement, FUTA and its faculty will earn from the programmes, while Learnpally provides the technology, marketing and certification backbone.”

The partnership, according to both parties, is part of a broader vision to make courses from long-standing and leading universities accessible globally and position Nigeria as a key player in the global digital education landscape.