Check Point Software Technologies, a cybersecurity company that provides security technologies for networks, cloud environments and other enterprise systems, has opened its fourth SecureAcademy programme in Nigeria in partnership with the International Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics Academy (ICDFA), a cybersecurity education and training institution based in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The first student cohort will begin training in September 2026. The programme is part of Check Point SecureAcademy, which is delivered through Check Point Services and is available at more than 290 academic institutions across more than 80 countries.
In Africa, the programme has trained more than 500 students through 20 active partnerships. ICDFA becomes the fourth Nigerian institution in the programme, following the Cybersafe Foundation in Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria and the Osun College of IT & Management in Ibadan.
Students, alumni and faculty at ICDFA will have access to Check Point’s online training content, corporate courseware based on the Check Point Infinity Platform, lab installation guides, software licences and certification programmes. These include the Check Point Certified Security Administrator (CCSA), which focuses on security administration, and the Check Point Certified Security Expert (CCSE). The institution will also receive a SecureAcademy grant valued at up to USD 60,000 annually.
The programme is being introduced as Nigeria’s technology sector continues to expand. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, information and communications technology was the country’s fastest growing sector in the first quarter of 2026, with year on year growth of 10.98% and a contribution of 11.31% to real GDP. Broadband penetration reached 55.67%.
The expansion of digital services is also reflected in cybersecurity activity. Check Point Research recorded an average of 4,361 weekly cyber attacks per Nigerian organisation in June 2026, compared with a global average of 2,270. Africa was the second most attacked region in the same analysis.
Nigeria also faces a shortage of cybersecurity professionals. The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) estimates that the country has 25,760 cybersecurity professionals against a requirement of at least 275,000, leaving a gap of more than 90%. Check Point’s Africa cybersecurity trends analysis estimates that more than 200,000 cybersecurity roles remain unfilled across the continent.
“Nigeria is at the heart of Africa’s digital acceleration, and its cyber security talent pipeline must scale as fast as its threat surface. Through this partnership with ICDFA, Check Point SecureAcademy will equip Nigerian students, alumni and faculty with the technical knowledge, prevention-first methodologies and hands-on experience needed to defend the country’s digital economy against today’s AI-driven threats – while opening globally recognised career pathways in cyber security,” says Kingsley Oseghale, Country Manager: West Africa for Check Point Software Technologies.
The training will be delivered through physical, virtual and blended formats from ICDFA’s Lafia campus, with students expected to join from different parts of Nigeria. During the initial phase, ICDFA expects to train approximately 500 students each year, with capacity to increase as instructor numbers, laboratory infrastructure and programme reach expand.
As part of the partnership setup, ICDFA faculty members completed Check Point’s CCSA Train-the-Trainer course in August 2026. The course prepares instructors to deliver training based on the CCSA programme, including practical simulations informed by Check Point’s threat intelligence.
Aminu Idris, AMCPN, Founder and Commandant of ICDFA, said the partnership will expand the institution’s training resources and certification options.
“We are excited to become a Check Point SecureAcademy partner. This partnership strengthens our mission to provide practical, industry-aligned, prevention-first cyber security education to our students and alumni. Access to Check Point’s enterprise-grade technologies, learning resources and globally recognised certification pathways will expand our training programmes and create more opportunities for young Nigerians to build world-class cyber security careers,” says Aminu Idris, AMCPN, Founder and Commandant of ICDFA.
The SecureAcademy programme also includes training in areas such as threat intelligence, network defence, cloud security and AI related risks. Check Point said the initiative is aligned with Nigeria’s National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy, the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024 and the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which includes a goal of increasing access to AI related skills among young Nigerians.
