The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has announced plans to train at least 15,000 women on digital literacy, safety and hygiene as part of efforts to bridge the widening digital gap between Northern Nigeria and other parts of the country.
CITAD said the initiative became necessary due to the region’s lag in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), noting that meaningful development cannot be achieved without digital inclusion.
Executive Director of CITAD, Y. Z. Ya’u, represented by Isa Garba, said the training was designed to narrow the digital divide in a rapidly evolving technology-driven world.
He noted that ICT development in the North remains far behind other regions, especially Lagos.
“Businesses dealing with ICT on a single street in Lagos are more than the entire ICT businesses in Kano. While those in Lagos have reached their destination, we are just about to begin our journey in ICT. This informed our resolve to train 15,000 women in digital literacy to address the digital divide,” he said.
According to him, empowering women with digital skills would improve socio-economic wellbeing and create multiplier effects across different sectors of society.
Project Manager of the digital literacy training, Fatima Babakura, disclosed that about 5,000 women and girls aged between 16 and 40 would receive specialised training in digital entrepreneurship to enable them explore business and income opportunities online.
“We also intend to prepare women against online harassment and cyber attacks so they can return to their communities and share knowledge. We are equally training students on Computer-Based Tests (CBT) because many candidates fail examinations due to lack of digital skills,” she said.
Also speaking, Director of ICT at the Kano State Secondary Schools Board, Isyaku Garba, said the board had introduced programmes aimed at equipping students with ICT knowledge to compete globally.
He added that Lagos achieved over 60 per cent ICT infrastructure utilisation as far back as 2006, with many women already benefiting from digital empowerment initiatives.
Garba further noted that women with digital skills could work remotely from home, thereby supporting family income and reducing financial pressure on their spouses.
