KEY POINTS

• Infrastructural challenges in Northern Nigeria have not deterred youths from pursuing digital literacy and technological skills.

• Initiatives like CITAD’s community hubs, UNICEF’s Nigeria Learning Passport, and NIGCOMSAT’s training programs are instrumental in bridging the digital divide.

• Cultural and societal barriers remain, but the determination of these youths offers hope for a more digitally inclusive future.

In the dusty town of Itas, Bauchi State, a group of young individuals gathers around a modest community internet hub.

This facility, established by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), provides free internet access to local residents for the first year.

Despite the lack of consistent electricity and paved roads, these youths are determined to acquire digital skills that could transform their lives.

The story of these hidden hackers is not unique to Itas. Across Northern Nigeria, in states like Jigawa, Sokoto, and Taraba, similar narratives unfold. In these regions, where poverty rates soar as high as 87%, access to digital technology is limited. Yet, the desire to learn and innovate persists.

Initiatives like the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP), supported by UNICEF, have made significant strides in bridging the digital divide. By 2023, the NLP had registered over 750,000 users, offering digital learning opportunities to children and youths across the country.

However, challenges remain, particularly in rural areas where internet access and digital literacy are still lacking.

Empowering youths through digital literacy and the internet

Recognizing the potential of these determined youths, various organizations have launched programs to enhance digital literacy and provide alternative pathways to success.

For instance, tech enthusiast Olumayowa Akinkuehinmi organized free Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) boot camps, enrolling over 120 participants in a four-week program aimed at combating cybercrime through education.

Similarly, the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited introduced a youth empowerment initiative targeting the North-West region.

The program includes a Space-Tech Hackathon and Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) training, aiming to equip participants with advanced technological skills and improve broadband access in remote areas.

Despite these efforts, cultural and societal barriers continue to hinder progress. In some communities, traditional beliefs and gender roles discourage participation in digital training programs.

For example, the AboCoders program, which trains young women in software development and other tech skills, has faced challenges due to cultural resistance.

Nevertheless, the resilience and determination of these youths shine through. They continue to seek knowledge, often teaching themselves through online resources and peer-to-peer learning.

Their efforts not only challenge stereotypes but also pave the way for a more inclusive and digitally empowered Northern Nigeria.