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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced plans to create ‘Tech Clubs’ across the country using the vehicle of the DigitalForAllChallenge 2.0 initiative by Tech4Dev.
RELATED: N150 million for grabs as application opens for #DigitalForAllChallenge 2.0
The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, while lauding the DigitalForAllChallenge 2.0 initiative said the tech clubs will help in the quest to achieve 70% digital literacy by 2027 as underscored by the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu’s administration.
“Our collective mission is clear as we launch this programme as complimentary efforts toward achieving a 70% digital literacy rate for Nigerians by 2027. DigitalForAll Initiative is a visionary programme poised to shape the future of our nation and we also intend to use our Digital Nigeria platform for the final competition of the programme,” said abdullahi while delivering a keynote address at the recent launch of the skilling initiative.
He said the eight Pillars in the redrafted Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) of the agency include Foster Digital Literacy and Cultivate Talents Build a Robust Technology Research Ecosystem, Strengthen Policy Implementation and Legal framework, Promote Inclusive Access to Digital Infrastructure and Services, Strengthen Cybersecurity and Enhance Digital Trust. Others are Nurture an Innovative and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, Forge Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration and Cultivate a Vibrant Organisational Culture and an Agile Workforce in NITDA. All of which are critical cornerstones that seek to address the strategic challenges identified in realising the agency’s mandates, mission, and values.
He added: “As we embark on this journey, let us remember that digital literacy is not just about skilling people; it is about empowering them to unleash their full potential. It is about providing opportunities for growth, fostering innovation, and ensuring that no one is left behind in the rapidly evolving digital world; that is what this programme is poised to achieve”.
He further said: “Our Key Objectives of the DigitalForAll Initiative hinge on Inclusive Digital Literacy, Accessible Learning Platforms, Public-Private Partnerships, Measurable Impact, and Awards. For us to succeed, therefore, collaboration with government agencies, educational institutions, industry leaders, and communities cannot be overemphasized,”
Earlier, Founder, Tech4Dev, Joel Ogunsola, N150 million will be won across the different categories as prizes.
“We believe and are driven by the fact that every Nigerian deserves the right to digital literacy and skills for the future of work. There are very intentional efforts by NITDA to invest in the sustainability of this initiative for the long run”, said Ogunsola.
The initiative, holding in partnership with NITDA and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, is touted as Africa’s largest digital skilling competition, designed to reward self-development and encourage the acquisition and use of digital skills through competitive incentives.
