The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has pledged its support to the Jigawa State government’s initiative by launching a high-end ICT training programme for 1000 youths, in a bid to propel the state into the forefront of the nation’s digital economy,
The director-general of NITDA, Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi, emphasised the strategic importance of information communication technology (ICT) skills in driving the digital economy during the launch of the event in Dutse, the state’s capital.
Abdullahi encouraged the youths of Jigawa State to embrace ICT skills, recognise its crucial role in fostering sustainable development and self-reliance. He stressed the global shift from paper qualifications to skills, asserting that individuals aspiring for success must align themselves with this paradigm shift to thrive.
“This training for one thousand youths in Jigawa on skills in emerging technologies will enable the state to recover its lost glory as the leading state in the ICT sector of Nigeria in the early 2000s,” stated the NITDA director-general.
Highlighting the collaboration between the Jigawa State government, NITDA, Baze University, and IDEAS through the Jigawa State Development Agency for Youth Empowerment and Employment, Abdullahi emphasised the strategic nature of the training in the state’s pursuit of diverse economic opportunities for accelerated development.
In furtherance of NITDA’s commitment to advancing digital literacy across the country, Abdullahi declared, “NITDA will continue to partner with state governments across the country to expand digital literacy for citizens’ exclusivity in propelling the national digital economy to fight poverty and poverty-related challenges in the country.”
Governor Umar Namadi, represented by the deputy governor, Aminu Usman Gumel, commended NITDA for its impactful intervention programmes, acknowledging their contribution to the state’s achievements within a year in office. He expressed gratitude for NITDA’s multifaceted support, which has positively impacted various sectors in the state.
Key figures in the flag-off ceremony, including the director-general of the Jigawa State Agency for Youth Empowerment and Employment, Dr. Habibu Ubale and representatives from collaborating organisations, echoed the sentiment that providing ICT skills to the state’s youth would significantly enhance sustainable economic development.
The comprehensive training programme will focus on five key areas, with special emphasis on robotics, artificial intelligence and software development. The aim is to nurture young talents who will play a pivotal role in steering digital development not only in Jigawa State but also across the entire nation. As the digital landscape evolves, this initiative stands as a testament to NITDA’s commitment to empowering the youth and driving technological progress in Nigeria.
