*Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, highlights the critical importance of gender inclusion in digital literacy programmes, for a brighter, more prosperous future filled with boundless opportunities in Nigeria

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has emphasised the critical importance of gender inclusion in digital literacy programmes across Nigeria.

绿帽献妻 reports NITDA said this move is part of initiatives designed to strengthen the Focus on Education, Health and Social Investment through digital innovation and inclusive access to technology in the West African country.

Inuwa disclosed this in a goodwill address delivered at the recent Inauguration of Quality Education and Girl Child Initiatives (Luminah 2030).

The forum was organised by the Federal Ministry of Education at the Federal Secretariat Complex, in Abuja, FCT, to create an inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education system.

This initiative is a key component of the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) for Renewed Hope, which is centered around six critical priority areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences (STEM-M), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Out-of-School Children, Girl Child Education, Data and Digitalisation, and Education Quality Assurance.

The Luminah Girl Child Initiative, along with the broader Quality Education and Learning Outcomes Programme, is dedicated to tackling the challenge of out-of-school children, with a strong emphasis on empowering young girls through education.

These initiatives are designed to reshape Nigeria鈥檚 educational landscape, paving the way for a brighter, more prosperous future filled with boundless opportunities.

The NITDA Chief Executive highlighted the necessity of empowering women through technology to drive national progress and underscored the role of education in societal transformation.

Stressing NITDA鈥檚 commitment to increasing digital literacy, particularly among women, to bridge the gender gap in STEM and technology related fields, he said 鈥淲hen you educate a man, you educate an individual, but when you educate a woman, you educate a nation.鈥�

Disclosing that women represent less than 20 percent of the STEM workforce, and Nigeria reflects a similar disparity, Inuwa noted that achieving gender parity in tech would foster wealth creation and economic prosperity.

鈥淚n Nigeria, our women鈥檚 population is almost equal to the men’s population.

“So, imagine leaving 50 percent of your population excluded in what you do, that’s going to be disastrous to us as a nation,鈥� he added.

Inuwa disclosed NITDA has been working closely with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Women Affairs to implement gender-inclusive digital programmes and that under the leadership of the Honorable Minister of Education, efforts are underway to embed digital skills and literacy into the curriculum from primary school to tertiary institutions.

The Director-General also said beyond formal education, the agency has been extending its digital inclusion programmes to the informal sector by collaborating with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to train women in markets, religious centres, and motor parks on digital literacy.

He revealed that these initiatives align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu鈥檚 vision of diversifying Nigeria鈥檚 economy and increasing productivity through intensive digital training.

The ultimate objective, according to Inuwa, is to contribute towards making Nigeria a one-trillion-dollar economy by leveraging digital skills and inclusion.

鈥淥ur goal is clear, our resolve is stronger than ever, and we believe working together with the Ministry of Education, Women Affairs and our Ministry, will help us to infuse digital skills and literacy in whatever we do,鈥� he concluded.

Dr. Tunji Alausa, Honourable Minister for Education, as well inaugurated five Committees under Quality Education and learning and also, five Committees under Luminah 2030 initiatives, and urged the committee members to approach the responsibility with utmost dedication, professionalism, and a sense of purpose.

Other dignitaries present at the evet were, the Minister of Women Affairs, H.E. Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, amongst others.