Stanbic IBTC Holdings has graduated the fourth cohort of its Digital Skills Empowerment Programme (DiSEP) and inducted a new set of participants, reaffirming its commitment to equipping young Nigerians with industry-ready digital and employability skills.
In a statement on Sunday, the company described DiSEP as its flagship youth-empowerment initiative designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and the technical capabilities required in today’s workplace.
The newly admitted DiSEP 5.0 cohort, which runs until March 2026, will receive advanced training in high-demand technology fields including Kubernetes, .NET Core, C#, software testing and automation, DevOps, and Java. These skills, Stanbic IBTC said, open direct pathways into roles in software engineering, cloud infrastructure, quality assurance and modern application development across the financial services and technology sectors.
The Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Mr. Chuma Nwokocha, who presented certificates to DiSEP 4.0 graduates during a ceremony in Lagos, said the programme continues to enhance the employability of young Nigerians. He praised the graduates for their “dedication and transformative journey”, noting that the competencies they acquired would expand their career opportunities.
The ceremony featured the launch of the DiSEP Alumni Network, announced by the Country Head, People and Culture, Ms. Ezinne Chidi Anosike. She said the platform would provide continuous mentorship and career support to both current participants and alumni.
A DiSEP 2.0 alumna, Ms. Hannah Ochim—now employed at Stanbic IBTC—shared her experience, saying the programme elevated her confidence and employability. “DiSEP did not just teach me technical skills; it transformed the way I see opportunities and my own potential,” she said. “Today, I stand here as proof that this programme changes lives.”
Reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to digital inclusion, Mr. Nwokocha said youth-focused technical training is vital to Nigeria’s economic growth. “At Stanbic IBTC, we believe that empowering the next generation with relevant skills is fundamental to Nigeria’s growth,” he said. “DiSEP is more than a training programme; it is a movement that creates sustainable careers and drives innovation.”
The organisation said more than 800 young Nigerians have passed through the programme since its inception, many of whom have secured employment in technology-driven roles. With the rollout of DiSEP 5.0, Stanbic IBTC said it is strengthening efforts to prepare young Nigerians for the digital economy through a mix of technical training, professional readiness and structured career networks.
