The federal government’s plan to reach 95% digital literacy by 2030 is underway.
Kashufu Abdullahi, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, unveiled this on Sunday at the graduation ceremony for 50 children, including 10 Almajiri children at the Engausa Global Tech Hub in Kano.
Engausa Global Tech Hub is an incubation center currently working in collaboration with NITDA in Kano.
“So we have launched many initiatives to empower people. In 2021 alone, we have trained nearly 200,000 Nigerians in different areas of digital literacy, ”he said.
These young children have been intensively trained in their early stages, using the Hausa language to develop their skills in digital technology, computer networks, installing CCTV cameras, graphic design, innovative creativity, among others, ”he said.
Abdullahi further said that the center in 2021 trained more than 700 young children who were selected from various rural communities in the state.
“As a result of this intervention, in 2021, we have been able to expand collaboration and we will do more this year to see how we can help less privileged children access technology.
“One of our mandates is to implement the policy under the National Digital Economy Policy for Digital Nigeria to the logical conclusion of achieving 95 percent digital literacy by 2030.
“You know that the government cannot do it alone, we need to partner with centers like Engausa to achieve it.
“We are also looking at how we can help the children who have participated in this program start their own businesses,” said the CEO.
Earlier, the center’s founder, Mustapha Ringim, said that the center’s goal was to close the productivity gap among young people, especially those who cannot attend formal schools.
“I realized that there are many things I can offer the community in terms of breaking down some barriers and bridging some gaps that are limiting the productivity of our youth at the grassroots.
“Especially the Almajiri children and school dropouts who cannot continue their studies due to lack of command of the English language, among other things.
“Language should not be a barrier to achieving the dream.
“There are many developments in countries that are not using the English language as a means of learning skills, such as European countries where English is not well spoken, but technology, innovation and creativity are flourishing in the country.
“So, I realized that the English language is not the only means of learning skills, it is not the only means of prosperity when it comes to knowledge, when it comes to practicing what you know,” he explained.
