Susan Abayomi
IHS Nigeria has launched the second cohort of its AWS re/Start Cloud Programme in partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and the Ilorin Innovation Hub, as part of efforts to strengthen digital skills development and expand employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
The programme, themed “Empowering Future Cloud Professionals Through Digital Skills Development,” was officially unveiled during a virtual event on November 2, 2026.
The new cohort builds on the achievements of the programme’s first edition, which recorded a 96.7 per cent completion success rate. Of the 30 participants who qualified for early certification, 15 sat for the AWS examinations, with all candidates recording a 100 per cent pass rate. Additionally, one participant received a grant to attend the AWS re:Invent summit in Las Vegas, United States.
The AWS re/Start initiative seeks to address the growing global shortage of cloud computing professionals. Research cited by the programme revealed that out of 7.8 million cloud-related job openings advertised across 45 countries in 2021, only 2.8 million qualified professionals were available.
The second cohort will train 30 participants in foundational cloud computing, practical technical skills and professional competencies, alongside career support to prepare them for entry-level and mid-level opportunities in the cloud technology sector.
Speaking on the initiative, Sanet Shepperson, Vice President, Operations (Process Excellence) at IHS Nigeria, emphasised the importance of connecting programme graduates with employment opportunities.
She disclosed that the company had introduced the Talent2Work initiative, an employer engagement strategy designed to link graduates with internships, entry-level positions and career opportunities across banks, telecommunications companies, fintech firms, consulting organisations and technology companies, including IHS Nigeria.
According to Shepperson, the initiative aims to establish a sustainable pathway for developing employable cloud technology professionals in Nigeria.
Also speaking, Zumah Yahaya, Director of Programmes at Ilorin Innovation Hub, expressed appreciation to IHS Towers, the Kwara State Government and Amazon Web Services for their support.
Yahaya noted that strategic investments in decentralised technology training would help promote youth empowerment and create opportunities for sustainable economic growth.
