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  • NITDA, NYSC target 30 million Nigerian youths for digital literacy programme

    NITDA, NYSC target 30 million Nigerian youths for digital literacy programme

    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, as well as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has launched a comprehensive digital literacy programme aimed at empowering 30 million Nigerian youths.

    The strategic partnership, which was formalised at the NYSC Secretariat in Abuja, was designed to bridge the digital divide and empower the next generation to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

    The programme would empower 30 million youths across Nigeria and provide platforms for them to become digital entrepreneurs.

    According to the director-general of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the programme would focus on providing practical training in key areas such as software development, data analytics, cybersecurity, and digital marketing.

    Abdullahi said 30 million Nigerian youths, including NYSC members, would benefit from the initiative as they would be fully equipped with skills necessary for the digital economy by 2027.

    Speaking at the launch of the project at the weekend, Abdullahi emphasized the importance of digital literacy to the nation’s quest for economic diversification, asserting that leveraging technology to enhance productivity and digital skills is surely the way to go.

    He said: “We have set up the team working with your team to explore how you can infuse technology into the NYSC process, experiment with emerging technologies like blockchain to secure NYSC certificates, and build digital skills capacity among Corp Members. Today we are here on the bigger mission.”

    He cited global research that predicted 85 million talent deficits by 2030, which could result in a loss of 8.5 trillion US dollars in annual value if unaddressed.

    According to him, the programme would not only enhance employability but also drive innovation and economic growth in Nigeria.

    “We developed the National Digital Literacy Framework with an ambitious target of achieving 95% digital literacy by 2030, with a mid-term target of 70% by 2027.

    “The framework promotes universal access to digital literacy, skills development at various proficiency levels, and workforce readiness for future digital demands,” he said.

    Read Also: NITDA-NIMC partnership and security of online transactions

    He further detailed the implementation plan, which includes training Corps members during their service year and using them as digital literacy ambassadors across Nigeria.

    “Our target is how we can leverage your platform to deepen that digital literacy.

    “The initiative will involve onboarding Corp Members on digital platforms, providing continuous learning opportunities, and selecting ambassadors to teach digital skills in their communities.

    “We need to build a tailor-made solution that will address our challenges and harness indigenous talents to promote digital solutions, and this requires the collective efforts of the government, private sectors, and all stakeholders,” he added.

    The Minister of State for Youth, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, praised the collaboration while emphasizing unity of purpose in achieving shared goals.

    He said: “I appreciate this collaboration because I believe we are one family and we are working towards the same goal. I also believe that if there is anything we can give, it is our commitment.

    “Regardless of where you come from, as long as, at the end of the day, the Nigerian youth are in a better position from where they are coming from, that is what is important.”

    The Minister acknowledged the dedication of all involved and expressed gratitude towards the NYSC’s leadership, commitment, and availability to the cause.

    The Director General of NYSC, Brig Gen Yusha’u Ahmed, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative and NYSC’s readiness to fully key into the programme across Nigeria.

    “This process for us in NYSC is a very good one, and there is no iota of doubt we are going to fully collaborate with NITDA to grab the process,” Gen. Ahmed said.

  • NITDA, DHQ, others to tackle terrorism, kidnapping with digital assets

    NITDA, DHQ, others to tackle terrorism, kidnapping with digital assets

    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Defence Headquarters, (DHQ) and other security agencies are exploring ways to develop and deploy digital solutions to address the security challenges facing the country.

    The digital solutions would be in the form of drones, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and usage of other digital assets to combat terrorism, kidnapping and banditry across Nigeria.

    Read Also:BREAKING: NITDA, DHQ, others plan deployment of digital assets against terrorism, kidnapping

    NITDA is also bringing Cisco International which had been involved in designing various digital platforms and assets for the US military to the project to enable Nigeria to overcome the security challenges soon.

    NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, made this known yesterday during an interactive session with reporters in Abuja.

    Abdullahi, who used the opportunity offered by the forum to unveil the Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (2024-2027) of NITDA, said the Roadmap aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as encapsulated in the eight-point agenda of the administration.

    He explained that the partnership with DHQ and other security agencies with the involvement of Cisco would present opportunities for robust engagement, innovations, and co-creation of digital technology and assets to combat terrorism and other security challenges facing the country.

  • NITDA signs tech solution MoU with Cisco for irrigation of 500,000 farm lands

    NITDA signs tech solution MoU with Cisco for irrigation of 500,000 farm lands

    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with an American multinational digital communications technology corporation, Cisco International, for the adoption of smart solutions to address socio-economic challenges in the country.

    NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi said the MoU would facilitate the adoption of digital technology/solutions for the irrigation of 500,000 farm lands in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to boost food security in the country.

    Abdullahi signed the MoU at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja with the Chief Executive Officer/Country Director of Cisco, Mr. Clayton Naidoo.

    The NITDA boss said the MoU would accelerate the delivering of digital services to Nigerians through smart agriculture, education, health and other social services.

    Read Also: NITDA signs MoU with Cisco for irrigation of 500,000 farmlands with tech solutions

    He said President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda was anchored on delivering digital services through technological solutions, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and drones, amongst others, to solve Nigeria’s critical problems.

    According to him, NITDA is partnering Cisco to boost agricultural productivity and food security with the adoption of technologies to be extended to unserved and underserved areas of the country.

    Abdullahi, who took the Cisco team round some designated farms in Abuja, said the digital company would work with a firm in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, to develop a learning centre on the use of AI, IoT, and other technology solutions to improve businesses.

    “The MoU we signed today is aimed at accelerating the adoption of technology solutions as well as digital services to enhance agricultural productivity and improve health care services, security, among others.

    “This is the vision of Mr. President, as encapsulated in the Renewed Hope Agenda. Our Minister (of Communications, Innovation, and the Digital Economy), Dr. Bosun Tijani, has developed five pillars for the realisation of the vision.

    “Here at NITDA, we have seven pillars for our strategic plans. All these are geared towards economic transformation and accelerated development,” Abdullahi said.

    Cisco’s Country Director Naidoo said Nigeria would benefit from the MoU through improved agricultural production, creation of jobs and empowerment of the citizens financially.

    He said Cisco had been working with various governments in Africa and America to create innovation hubs.

    The country director announced that technology experience centres would be created across Nigeria to boost security services and business units.

    Naidoo said his organisation would create inclusive modules that would empower local communities and make them benefit from various jobs in the digital services sector and other related sectors.

  • NITDA signs MoU with Cisco for irrigation of 500,000 farmlands with tech solutions

    NITDA signs MoU with Cisco for irrigation of 500,000 farmlands with tech solutions

    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) on Monday, May 13, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cisco International for the adoption of smart solutions to address socio-economic challenges in the country.

    The director-general of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi said the MoU would facilitate the adoption of digital technology/solutions for the irrigation of 500,000 farmlands in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to boost food security in the country.

    The MoU was signed at the headquarters of NITDA in Abuja by the director general of NITDA, Kashifu Abdullahi, and the chief executive officer/country director of CISCO, Clayton Naidoo.

    Speaking at the event, the NITDA boss said the MoU would accelerate the process of delivering digital services to Nigerians through smart agriculture, education, health, and other social services.

    Abdullahi said President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda was anchored on delivering digital services through technological solutions, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI) Internet of Things (IoT), and drones amongst others to solve Nigeria’s critical problems.

    According to him, NITDA is partnering with Cisco to boost agricultural productivity and food security as directed by the President, adding that the adoption of the technologies would be extended to unserved and underserved areas of the country.

    Read Also: NITDA, NIMC partner on digital economy

    Abdullahi who took the Cisco team around some designated farms in Abuja,  said Cisco would be working with a firm in Maiduguri, Borno state,  to develop a learning Centre for Nigerians on the use of Artificial Intelligence, (AI) Internet of Things (IoT) and other technology solutions to improve businesses.

    “The MoU we signed today is aimed at accelerating the adoption of technology solutions as well as digital services to enhance agriculture productivity and improve health care services, and security, among others.

    “This is the vision of Mr President as encapsulated in the Renewed Hope Agenda. Our Minister, Dr Bosun Tijani has developed five pillars for the realisation of the vision. And here in NITDA, we have 7 pillars for our strategic plans. All this is geared towards economic transformation and accelerated development”, Abdullahi said.

    The country director of CISCO, Naidoo said Nigeria would benefit from the MoU as it would improve agricultural production, create job opportunities, and empower the citizens financially.

    He said Cisco has been involved with various governments in Africa and America to create innovation hubs, stressing that in Nigeria technology experience centres would be created to boost security services and business units.

    Naidoo said his organisation would create inclusive modules that would empower local communities in Nigeria and make them benefit from various job opportunities in the digital services sector and other related sectors.

  • NITDA, NIMC partner on digital economy

    NITDA, NIMC partner on digital economy

    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced a collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) on National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)

    The partnership, it said was to enhance synergy between digital identity, payment ecosystems and secure seamless data exchange capabilities for Nigeria.

    NITDA, which made the announcement via its X handle yesterday, said that the alliance was to further strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

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    Also, the collaboration, it stressed, aimed to harness the potential of the innovative ecosystem and emphasise the use of public-key infrastructure (PKI) to drive the nation’s digital transformation.

    During the meeting, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, and the Director General of NIMC, Bisoye Coker-Odusote, with some management staff of both organisations, discussed various initiatives, including building DPI stacks for a secured and seamless data exchange and forming partnerships to transform the national identity system.

    To ensure a smooth implementation, a 12-man committee was set up, according to the agency

    This committee, it indicated, would play a crucial role in kick-starting and harmonising the initiatives.

    “It is expected to deliver a comprehensive implementation report within the next 4 weeks,” NITDA added.

  • NITDA wants more ICT investment for Inclusive Digital Access

    NITDA wants more ICT investment for Inclusive Digital Access

    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has called for substantial investment in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector to grow the economy and deepen digital inclusion.

    Its Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, made this call during a meeting with Ms. Edosio Uyoyo and Traore Toho Syevie, a delegation from the African Development Bank (AfDB) at the agency’s corporate headquarters in Abuja.

    Read Also: Tinubu approves appointment of FCTA Head of Service, Perm Sec, others

    The delegation briefed Inuwa on various initiatives being implemented by the bank, prompting a discussion on the role of ICT in a country’s development.

  • NITDA, SMEDAN to build database for 40m SMEs

    NITDA, SMEDAN to build database for 40m SMEs

    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN) have agreed to build database in promotion of the businesses of over 40 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

    The two agencies said the partnership would protect 70 million jobs across all sectors and safeguard 50 per cent contributions from them to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country.

    The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa said the agencies would collaborate to have joint programmes in terms of infrastructures, digital literacy, and other interventions.

    Inuwa made this known at a meeting with the Director-General of SMEDAN, Mr Charles Odii at the headquarters of NITDA in Abuja.

    According to a statement from the Head of Corporate Communications of NITDA, Hadiza Umar,  the meeting agreed on collaboration in terms of infrastructural and human capital development for SME.

    Inuwa revealed that there were opportunities for collaboration between NITDA and SMEDAN as stated in the NITDA Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan, stating that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would soon be signed to kick start the programmes.

     He said the collaboration would facilitate the penetration of digital literacy among Small and Medium Entreprise (SMEs) to enhance productivity.

     He added that it also aligns with the objective of the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF).

    Read Also: NITDA hails NBTE for unbundling HND programmes

    “We all know that with digital literacy a market woman can sell her goods without moving from one place to another, as someone can use digital platforms to order for goods and have them delivered to them.”

    The DG NITDA stated that the collaboration is apt as it will strengthen policy implementation and legal frameworks like the Nigerian Startup Act.

    He said SMEs make up about 90 per cent of the country’s workforce and more than 90 percent of businesses, emphasising that “We really want to work with you, to explore how we can get them (SMEs) to benefit from all the incentives within the Startup Act and we target those who use innovation to promote productivity or innovation-driven enterprises.”

    Mr Odii  in his remarks said his Agency had a couple of digital literacy programmes they started, stating that they were at NITDA for broader collaboration and have access to  NITDA curriculum to ensure that their efforts meet global standards.

    “We understand that NITDA is the secretariat for the Startup Act, and we want to work with you in sensitising them (SMEs), especially those of them who are startups to take advantage of this and also help to add to your database for registration.

    “We have a robust SME database that we are building, and we would like to partner with you to make sure that the framework for this database is in line with what you have for data entrepreneurs,” Mr Odii said.

  • NITDA hails NBTE for unbundling HND programmes

    NITDA hails NBTE for unbundling HND programmes

    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has applauded the decision of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to unbundle the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Computer Science programme into four distinct specialisations.

    The NBTE recently announced the unbundling of HND programme to Artificial Intelligence, Network and Cloud Computing, Software and Web Development, and Cybersecurity and Data Protection.

    A statement by NITDA’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Hadiza Umar, said NBTE’s decision was a game changer in Nigeria’s Information Technology (IT) sector.

    The agency described it as visionary move, stressing that it “represents a seismic shift in equipping Nigerian graduates with in-demand skills crucial for navigating the digital revolution”.

    The statement added: “This development positions polytechnics at the centre of nurturing young Nigerians capable of tackling specific challenges and capitalising on the vast opportunities presented by emerging technologies.”

    “Moreover, NITDA views this as a significant step in promoting the growth of the IT sector and enhancing the capabilities of the nation’s workforce. It bridges skills gaps identified during our IT Skills Gap Assessment, conducted in partnership with CC Hub, which highlighted 12 IT skills in high demand both in Nigeria and globally.

    “NITDA recognises the immense potential of Artificial Intelligence, Network and Cloud Computing, Software and Web Development, as well as Cybersecurity and Data Protection in shaping the future of Nigeria’s IT sector.

    “This is why it established the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) and the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), as special purpose vehicles to nurture talent and equip interns and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members with the requisite skills to excel in their digital journey.

    Read Also: Moghalu backs CBN’s decongestion move, says relocating staff to Lagos “logical”

    “The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Abdullahi, also emphasises the need for collaboration among educational institutions, industry stakeholders, and regulatory bodies to ensure the successful implementation of these specialised fields.”

    “NITDA extends its gratitude to the National Board for Technical Education for its vision and commitment to advancing technical education in Nigeria.

    “It encourages a paradigm shift in educational approaches, urging institutions to proactively incorporate elements of digital literacy into their curriculum structures.

    “The agency believes that embracing the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF) would serve as a transformative step towards ensuring that the Nigerian educational system remains at the forefront of technological innovation and equips students with the competencies needed for success in the modern world.

    “NITDA looks forward to continued collaboration to create an environment where Nigerian IT professionals can thrive and make significant contributions to the global digital economy.”

  • NITDA allays AI fears as security agencies, spokespersons bag 2023 SCA-SAEMA awards

    NITDA allays AI fears as security agencies, spokespersons bag 2023 SCA-SAEMA awards

    The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has allayed the fear about artificial intelligence in communication and national security.

    Kashifu spoke at the 2023 Security and Emergency Management Awards (SAEMA) and Spokespersons’ Communication Awards (SCA) 29 where awards were presented to eminent security personnel, agencies, public relations experts, public and private organisations, seasoned communicators and university students.

    Speaking on the event theme “Artificial Intelligence: Effective Communication for National Security,” Inuwa maintained that Nigeria can leverage artificial intelligence to enhance its national security for socio-economic growth and human capital development.

    “Like other world nations, Nigeria can also harness the potential of the cutting-edge artificial intelligence, aided by effective communication systems, processes and mechanisms, to tackle its insecurity crisis, once and for all”, the DG noted.

    Inuwa said the only effective way to overcome emerging technologies is the acquisition of in-depth knowledge of the tool, its opportunities and threats. This, he added, would guide professionals on the right solutions to guarantee their proper functioning based on reliable protocols and ethical principles.

    Minister of Information, Muhammad Idris, who was represented by Director General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba Ndace, assured that the Federal Government remained committed to remodelling the country’s ‘battered image’ and urged PRNigeria and other media organisations to lend their support.

    President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, used the occasion to inaugurate the organising committee and the jury for the National Spokesperson Awards scheduled for March 2024. The committee is chaired by former NIPR Chairman, Lagos Chapter, Segun Mcmedal.

    Yushau Shuaib, Managing Director of Image Merchants Promotion Limited, the Publisher of PRNigeria, Emergency Digest and Economic Confidential, explained that SAEMA recognizes outstanding gallantry contributions to Nigeria’s safety, security and emergency management.

    “On the other hand, the Spokespersons’ Communication Award (SCA), which debuted in 2021, recognizes the most outstanding public relations campaigns and communication strategies by professionals, groups and institutions.

    “We are giving out 13 awards in the SCA category; we received 139 entries. Also, I am happy to inform you that SAEMA has become a household name among security agencies, stakeholders, and experts. We received 171 entries this year and worked round the clock to come up with two finalists for each of the 16 categories,” he said.

    The awardees: National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA (Crime Prevention); Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC (Emergency Management); Department of State Services, DSS (Public Information); Nigerian Air Force, NAF (Community Service); Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC (Diligent Investigation); Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC (Cybercrime Prevention); Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS (Training Institute).

    Read Also: NITDA, Communications Ministry urged to extend AfDB project across 774 LGAs

    Deputy Comptroller General Immigration (Passport) DCG Sada Hassan (Media Friendly Personality); Brig Gen U. V. Unachukwu (Gallantry); Late Major Segun Abiodun Oni (Gallantry); Bamidele Makinde (Security Officer); Late Flight Lieutenants Adamu Ibrahim, Anthony Duryumus and others (Military Officer); Integrated Indigo Limited (Agency of the Year); Prof. Boniface Obiefuna (Scholar of the Year); Odita Sunday, Defence Editor, Guardian Newspaper (Defence/Humanitarian Journalist).

    Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN (Corporate Communication); CSC Abdullahi Maiwada, Nigeria Customs Service PRO (Spokesperson of the Year); ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Nigeria Police Force PRO (Crisis Communicator); Olusola Odumosu, Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, FCT Command (Law Enforcement Officer); Borno State Government (Social Media); Nile University, Abuja (Young Communicators); Kano NIPR Chapter (Chapter of the Year); NIPR Lagos Chapter (Event Management).

    Christian Aburime, CPS to Governor Charles Soludo (Media Relations); Onogwu Muhammed, CPS to Governor Yahaya Bello (Crisis Communication); Cyber Politics: Social Media, Social Demography & Voting Behaviour in Nigeria (Publications); Defence & Police Officers Wives’ Association, DEPOWA (Humanitarian Service); Deep Cover Guard Security (Private Security Company); Beloxxi and Company Limited, BLC (CSR/Community Relations); The School of Impactful Communication, TSIC (Knowledge Hub).

  • NITDA, Communications Ministry urged to extend AfDB project across 774 LGAs

    NITDA, Communications Ministry urged to extend AfDB project across 774 LGAs

    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy have been admonished to extend the Code for Employment initiative of the African Development Bank (AfDB) to the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the country.

     Information Communication Technology (ICT) expert, Akindayo Akindolani, made the call yesterday during a two-day summit organised by Afritex in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja.

     Akindolani said since NITDA, for instance, has computer centres built in almost the 774 LGAs nationwide, the digital ambassadors trained by the AfDB, through partnerships with Microsoft and the McAnderson Institute of Technology (MIT), could support more unemployed youth at the grassroots areas.

     He said this move could help reduce the rising unemployment rate in the country, as the capacity building would prepare the beneficiaries for high-paying remote jobs in the digital space.

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     Akindolani said: “NITDA can scale the project in all the 774 LGAs by empowering the Digital Ambassadors trained to continue the redeployment of the capacity building in their local governments.

     “I am confident that code for employment is capable of reducing unemployment once we expose our youth to the required skills for future jobs. Once our people are rightly skilled with the in-demand-driven skills, then getting a job placement within and outside Nigeria would be an easy thing.”

     The AfDB’s Code for Employment program is a pilot project where 500 change makers, 45 percent of whom are women from four countries, were selected for the digital ambassadors program.

    The selected digital ambassadors embarked on a three-month course during which they were equipped with in-demand digital skills, such as software development.

    Also, soft skills, such as problem-solving, project management, and communication.

    The beneficiaries are subsequently allowed to partake in a peer-to-peer training model that seeks to expand digital skills to more African youth, especially in rural communities with limited internet connectivity.

    Akindolani said the code for the employment program is operational in Côte d’Ivoire with 75 participants, 100 beneficiaries from Kenya, about 150 from Nigeria, and 175 youth from Senegal.

    Akindolani, the founder of MIT, further advocated the need for the education ministry to infuse digital literacy and coding skills into the school curriculum.

    According to him, the policy would, in the long run, help the majority of the students become labor employers rather than wait for the usual white-collar jobs.

    He advised that the potential partners could provide a stipend for the code for employment beneficiaries across the local communities in the local governments. This, he noted, was to grab their attention and ultimately deliver on the project.

    AfDB’s Director for Human Capital, Youth and Skills Development, Martha Phiri, said: “The Digital Ambassadors Program has come at the right time when the Bank is putting the finishing touches to the Skills for Employability and Productivity in Africa Action Plan 2022–2025. The Action Plan will equip African youth with the skills that are in high demand, skills the labour market requires. Both will complement each other and will create a positive impact on Africa’s workforce and lead to economic transformation.”

    Akindolani, however, noted that the project is already in alignment with the vision of the communication ministry on job creation through digital skills.

    Some of the beneficiaries are Usman Zakariyya Muhammad from Bauchi; Idris Adegbite, Lagos, Olumide Adebayo, also from Lagos, and David Chigbu from Abia state.