‘Why We Train Nigerians, African Youths In Digital Skills’

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has stressed the need to deepen digital training and connectivity initiatives for Nigerians and African youths, particularly those living in underserved and completely unconnected communities.

The coordinator of the Community Network Project at CITAD, Haruna Adamu, said the organisation’s latest initiative was designed to equip the participants with the practical knowledge required to establish, deploy and manage community-based connectivity systems.

Adamu stated this in Abuja yesterday, during the closing ceremony of a five-day training programme, where the participants from underserved communities in Nigeria and other parts of the world shared experiences on digital inclusion and community networks.

He explained that the initiative represented an expansion of CITAD’s community network programme into a broader Community-Centred Connectivity Initiative, aimed at addressing persistent connectivity gaps in underserved communities.

According to him, the programme was designed to provide the participants with practical skills they could take back to their communities and use to expand access to digital services.

Adamu urged the participants to apply the knowledge acquired during the training to empower people in their communities, particularly by expanding digital campaigns and awareness programmes targeting vulnerable groups.

He stressed that access to digital skills, internet connectivity and inclusive community networks could help create economic and social opportunities for people living in underserved communities.

The CITAD coordinator said community networks were particularly important because many communities continued to face difficulties accessing reliable internet services.

He therefore encouraged participants to become advocates for digital inclusion by creating awareness and helping communities understand the opportunities provided by digital technology.

Similarly, a participant in the programme, Grace Martin, described the initiative as a transformative experience that broadened her understanding of inclusion, digital literacy and community development.

Martin said the gathering had opened her eyes to the importance of ensuring that inclusion was reflected not only in organisational activities but also across different aspects of society.

According to her, the programme provided an opportunity to learn from facilitators and participants from different communities and countries, particularly on how community networks were established and managed to improve access to digital services.

She said the initiative had also contributed to economic empowerment in her community through the establishment of a community network and business centre, where residents could access services, seek employment opportunities and participate in online training.

Martin explained that she personally benefited from the digital literacy opportunities offered by the initiative, which enabled her to advance beyond basic computer skills.

“Because of this privilege, I was able to come online and seize the opportunity. I was able to upgrade my skills and even learn cybersecurity, which I am now into,” she said.

She added that the initiative had helped expand digital opportunities for persons with disabilities and other community members who might otherwise be excluded from the rapidly evolving digital economy.

Martin said the programme also supported adult education and basic digital literacy for community members who had been left behind by technological advancement.

“We took our time to teach them and show them that the world is moving to a digital world, so they have to participate,” she said.

She further stressed the importance of understanding community networking, noting that efforts to promote internet connectivity would be difficult without people who understood how community networks were established, operated and maintained.

Martin said her exposure to practical networking activities during the programme gave her a better understanding of the technical processes involved in providing connectivity to communities.

She added that the practical experience enabled her to participate more actively in areas where she previously had limited opportunities.

Martin expressed appreciation to the organisers, facilitators and other participants, saying the knowledge acquired would enable her to contribute more effectively to digital inclusion, skills development and community empowerment