Since the world started observing social distancing as COVID-19 protocols, digital technology has brought a transformation in the nature of work and also how students learn. And as more Nigerians continue to learn about the virtual world, there’s a need to extend digital literacy to rural areas, especially in Northern Nigeria.
Recently, a total of 1,338 beneficiaries were empowered with basic digital literacy. The program took place across ten states in Northern Nigeria – Zamfara, Kaduna, Kwara, Kogi, Benue, Sokoto, Jigawa, Nasarawa, Niger and Plateau States.
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), this initiative was the creative effort of the Technology for Social Change and Development. Tech4Dev is a non-profit organization established to empower African communities with digital skills that will bridge the gap of unskilled labor needed for the future of work.
Out of the 1,338 beneficiaries, 50% were vulnerable women and girls (aged 8-18; 45-65), 30% being Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and 20% individuals of other vulnerable groups.
Diwura Oladepo, Executive Director at Tech4Dev, stated the need to increase the number of digitally literate people living in underserved communities in Northern Nigeria. She added that the world is moving fast, and we must move with it.
“Though there are a lot of gaps in our work, we must work with what we must, to achieve the results we want. Support from Government and community stakeholders has helped to amplify impact and we believe the lessons learnt will inform the scalability of our efforts.” said the Executive Director.
The UK Government’s Digital Access Programme and Country Adviser was present at the program.
Enforcing the need to embrace the new normal, Idongesit Udoh said that with COVID19, digital literacy has become a must-have. She emphasized that the UK Government is demonstrating timely support not only for Nigeria’s inclusive economic development but also in building effective COVID-19-related resilience.
This project is already helping to close the digital divide, enable inclusive digital access and build communities’ resilience to current and future pandemics.
