As part of efforts to enhance education, health, and social investment through digital innovation, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, has emphasized the need for gender inclusion in digital literacy programs across Nigeria.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Quality Education and Girl Child Initiatives (Luminah 2030), organized by the Federal Ministry of Education at the Federal Secretariat Complex, Inuwa highlighted the crucial role of education in societal transformation. The initiative is a key component of the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) for Renewed Hope, focusing on six priority areas: STEM-M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Out-of-School Children, Girl Child Education, Data and Digitalization, and Education Quality Assurance.
The Luminah Girl Child Initiative, alongside the broader Quality Education and Learning Outcomes Program, aims to address the challenge of out-of-school children, with a strong emphasis on empowering young girls through education. These efforts are expected to reshape Nigeria’s educational landscape and create more opportunities for young learners.
Inuwa stressed the importance of empowering women through technology to drive national progress, noting that women make up less than 20% of the STEM workforce in Nigeria. He warned that excluding nearly half of the population from technological advancements would be detrimental to national development.
“Nigeria’s female population is nearly equal to its male population. Leaving 50% of our people behind is a risk we cannot afford,” he stated.
He also highlighted NITDA’s collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Women Affairs in implementing gender-inclusive digital programs. Under the leadership of the Minister of Education, efforts are being made to integrate digital skills into school curricula from primary to tertiary levels. Beyond formal education, NITDA is also working with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to extend digital literacy training to women in markets, religious centers, and motor parks.
These initiatives align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of diversifying Nigeria’s economy and increasing productivity through digital training, with the ultimate goal of transforming Nigeria into a one-trillion-dollar economy.
“Our mission is clear, and our determination is stronger than ever. By working together with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Women Affairs, and other stakeholders, we will embed digital skills and literacy into every aspect of education,” Inuwa affirmed.
In his address, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, inaugurated five committees under the Quality Education and Learning program and another five under the Luminah 2030 initiative. He urged committee members to approach their responsibilities with dedication, professionalism, and a clear sense of purpose.
Among the dignitaries at the event were Minister of Women Affairs, H.E. Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, and Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, among others.
