NITDA moves to close gender gap in cybersecurity with women-focused training
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has launched a specialised training programme aimed at empowering Nigerian women with cybersecurity skills and increasing their participation in the country’s growing digital security workforce.
The training, tagged “Cyber for Women,” was organised by NITDA in collaboration with Women in Cybersecurity and held in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, NITDA’s Director of Cybersecurity, Mohammed Lawan Ahmed, who was represented by Ayodele Bakare, described the programme as a deliberate effort to position Nigerian women at the forefront of the country’s digital security ecosystem.
Ahmed said the initiative was designed not merely as a training session but as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s digital future and global cybersecurity resilience.
“Today’s programme is not just another training but a strategic investment in the future of Nigeria’s digital security landscape and the world at large, with women intentionally positioned at the centre of this approach,” he said.
According to him, the programme underscores the growing role of women in the global digital revolution and highlights the need to equip them with the necessary skills to contribute meaningfully to cybersecurity.
He added that Nigerian women are not bystanders in the digital revolution but key contributors shaping its future.
Ahmed noted that cybersecurity has become a critical pillar for digital transformation in an increasingly technology-driven world, even as global demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to rise while women remain significantly underrepresented in the field.
He said the training aims to equip participants with the knowledge, practical tools and collaboration opportunities required to thrive in the cybersecurity space, adding that the initiative forms part of NITDA’s broader efforts to build local capacity, promote digital inclusion and strengthen Nigeria’s cybersecurity workforce.
