*Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency, explains the digital literacy empowerment initiative for women educators is part of the agency’s commitment to advancing digital inclusion, improving productivity, and promoting technology-driven education in Nigeria
Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect
As part of efforts at strengthening administrative capacity, and promote digital literacy among women educators, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has provided high-specification HP OmniBook laptop computers for the National Association of Women in Colleges of Education (WICE).
NITDA said the digital literacy empowerment initiative was part of its commitment to advancing digital inclusion, improving productivity, and promoting technology-driven education in Nigeria.
ConsumerConnect reports Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, disclosed this development at the 30th Annual National Conference of WICE, with the theme: “Dual Mandate: Global Impact; Reimagining Teacher Education for Sustainable Development”.
Inuwa said the donated computers would enhance documentation, information management, communication, coordination and collaboration among the association’s leadership and members.
The Director-General of the IT sector regulatory agency revealed that NITDA had enrolled 1,135 WICE members in digital literacy online courses through the NITDA-Cisco Networking Academy platform, to strengthen their competencies in teaching, research and administration.
Activating the National Digital Literacy Framework
Inuwa said in order to complement the online training, the agency is supporting an in-person masterclass on productivity tools, cybersecurity and Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI).
According to him, this will equip participants with practical skills to improve workplace efficiency, and promote responsible technology use.
The interventions, Inuwa stated, as well align with the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF) 2023, which targets 70 percent digital literacy by 2027 and 95 percent by 2030.
He explained that the programmes support the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and the goal of building digitally skilled and inclusive Nigeria.
NITDA will strengthen collaboration with WICE, says Director-General
Inuwa reaffirmed NITDA’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with WICE, noting that empowering women educators with relevant digital skills and technological tools would improve teaching and learning outcomes and contribute to developing a future-ready workforce.
Speaking at the conference, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, represented by Umar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), said the dual mandate of Colleges of Education offered opportunities.
The governor noted these include opportunities to include expand access to higher education, improve teacher training and equip graduates with skills to address emerging national and global challenges.
He further emphasised the need for sustained investment in educational infrastructure, research, digital learning, staff development and institutional capacity.
Governor Yusuf said teacher education must adapt to technological advancements, Artificial Intelligence and changing labour market demands.
He equally highlighted the contributions of women to educational development, while acknowledging challenges, such as limited leadership opportunities, inadequate professional development funding and insufficient access to digital resources.
Yusuf urged stronger partnerships between Colleges of Education and schools to ensure that teacher preparation programmes remained relevant to learners’ needs and societal expectations.
Also speaking at the forum, Dr. Magdaline Bisong, National President of WICE, described the conference as a platform for professional renewal, knowledge sharing, networking and strategic collaboration.
Dr. Bisong said the gathering focused on advancing teacher education for sustainable development and strengthening the personal and professional capacities of members.
She restated the Association’s commitment to building women’s capacity in education, strengthening professional networks, and promoting collaboration to improve educational outcomes and contribute to national development.