The Federal Government of Nigeria has urged Nigerian youths and IT enthusiasts to participate in the Economic Community of West Africa’s (ECOWAS) Cybersecurity Hackathon.
The Capture the Flag (CTF) competition, organised by ECOWAS and hosted by Nigeria in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and NITDA, aims to equip citizens across the region with crucial cybersecurity skills.
The Cybersecurity Hackathon offers an exceptional opportunity for both novices and seasoned professionals to delve into the realm of cybersecurity, acquire new skills, and connect with like-minded enthusiasts. All talented individuals and teams are welcome to join this thrilling competition to demonstrate their expertise, collaborate with peers, and expand the frontiers of cybersecurity. By participating, you can contribute to the pool of talent shaping cyberspace security for Nigeria and West Africa as a whole.
This hackathon serves as a platform for young technology enthusiasts, bolstering the cyber workforce in the region. Nigerian youths are notably encouraged to take part and showcase their brightest minds in this competition. Whether you are a cybersecurity beginner or an experienced expert, this event offers a unique opportunity to learn new skills and network with fellow cyber enthusiasts.
The ECOWAS Hackathon is an annual ethical hacking competition that brings together top cybersecurity talents from across ECOWAS, providing a unique opportunity to showcase skills, encourage knowledge sharing, and promote excellence in the field of cybersecurity. The event, which has previously held in Porto Novo, Benin Republic in 2022 and Lome, Togo in 2023, continues to champion cybersecurity expertise and innovation.
Eligibility and Registration Details:
– Registration Period: Open from July 19, 2024, to August 5, 2024.
– Eligibility Criteria:
– All participants must be citizens of ECOWAS member countries.
– Travel tickets will be provided for participants residing within the region.
– Teams must consist of 3-4 members, with at least one female participant.
– Participants must be between 17 and 35 years of age.
Director of corporate affairs and external relations at NITDA, Mrs. Hadiza Umar emphasised that this initiative is particularly timely in response to a recent report by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2) which highlighted a global gap of four million unfilled cybersecurity jobs. The Federal Government of Nigeria is addressing this talent shortage through its 3 Million Technical Talent programme, organised by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, aiming to train three million Nigerians in technical skills, including cybersecurity.
The statement encourages Nigerians to register and not miss the opportunity to be part of West Africa’s cybersecurity community. Interested candidates can register for the ECOWAS Cybersecurity Hackathon by visiting the provided link. For more information, candidates can reach out to Foluke Bassey, ANIPR, at 09081152798 or Oluwole Alao, ANIPR, at 07010296756.
