Tech4Dev targets 1000 learners in Nigeria’s rural clusters with digital literacy

Technology for Social Development (Tech4Dev) is planning to impact 1000 learners over a twelve-week period in ten rural clusters across ten states in Nigeria.

The plan is part of efforts to empower vulnerable groups in rural clusters, especially in Northern Nigeria. To ensure success, Tech4Dev is partnering with the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and some state governments.

The 100o participants will be equipped with the basic digital knowledge required to succeed in the 21st century and the emerging new normal from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It has become pertinent, especially on the path of the new normal, to focus on digital literacy allowing vulnerable populations to leverage technology for commerce, education, communication, improve their socio-economic recovery pandemic resilience, and build a more prosperous future,” Diwura Oladepo, executive director at Tech4Dev said.

50 percent of the 1000 participants will be vulnerable women and girls within the ages of 8-18 and 45-65; 30 percent will be Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and 20 percent will comprise of individuals of other vulnerable groups.

Tech4Dev says the program is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals 1,4 and 10 (no poverty, quality, and reduced inequalities). Thus, investing in digital literacy for vulnerable people living in rural clusters in Nothern Nigeria allows for the reduction in the poverty index by increasing the employability of the beneficiaries and closing the digital skills gap needed in the digital economy.

The program also lends itself to the direction of Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan, the Economic Sustainability Plan, and the Digital Economy Strategy which has already identified digital skills as critical to economic prosperity for all Nigerians, according to Idongesit Udoh, head of the UK Government’s Digital Access Programme and Country Adviser.

“With COVID-19, digital literacy has become a must-have. Hence, the UK Government is once again demonstrating timely support not only for Nigeria’s inclusive economic development but also in building effective COVID-19 related resilience. This project is already helping to close the digital divide, enable inclusive digital access and build communities resilience to current and future pandemics.”

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) projects that about 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030. This is expected to be driven by more use of technology and automation of jobs.