NITDA DG advocates gender inclusion in digital literacy initiatives
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has emphasised the critical importance of gender inclusion in digital literacy programmes across Nigeria.
The DG made this known while delivering a goodwill address at the Inauguration of Quality Education and Girl Child Initiatives (Luminah 2030) organised by the Federal Ministry of Education at the Federal Secretariat Complex to create an inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education system.
The DG highlighted the necessity of empowering women through technology to drive national progress and underscored the role of education in societal transformation.
While stressing NITDA’s commitment to increasing digital literacy, particularly among women, to bridge the gender gap in STEM and technology related fields, he said “When you educate a man, you educate an individual, but when you educate a woman, you educate a nation.”
Disclosing that women represent less than 20% of the STEM workforce, and Nigeria reflects a similar disparity, Inuwa noted that achieving gender parity in tech would foster wealth creation and economic prosperity.
Inuwa stated that NITDA has been working closely with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Women Affairs to implement gender-inclusive digital programs, adding that under the leadership of the Minister of Education, efforts are underway to embed digital skills and literacy into the curriculum from primary school to tertiary institutions.
He revealed that these initiatives align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of diversifying Nigeria’s economy and increasing productivity through intensive digital training.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, inaugurated 5 committees under Quality Education and learning and also, 5 committees under Luminah 20230 initiatives, urging the committee members to approach the responsibility with utmost dedication, professionalism, and a sense of purpose.
