DigitalForAllChallenge: NITDA Hails Initiative, Unveils Plan To Create Tech Clubs In Nigeria
The Director-General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has commended the DigitalForAllChallenge 2.0 initiated by Tech4Dev and unraveled plans by the Agency to use the vehicle to create ‘Tech Clubs’ across the country. This is in alignment with the NITDA’s effort at achieving 70% digital literacy by 2027.
The DG revealed the plans while delivering a keynote address at the launch of a digital skilling initiative by Tech4Dev recently in Lagos.
Inuwa said, “Our collective mission is clear as we launch this programme as a complimentary effort toward achieving a 70% digital literacy rate for Nigerians by 2027”.
“DigitalForAll Initiative is a visionary programme poised to shape the future of our nation and we intend to use our Digital Nigeria platform for the final competition of the programme”, Inuwa noted.
He seized the opportunity to elaborately explain the eight Pillars in the redrafted Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) of the Agency which are critical cornerstones that seek to address the strategic challenges identified in realising the Agency’s mandates, mission, and values.
Inuwa while noting that the document will be unveiled in the first quarter of 2024, describes the competition as a well-thought-out programme and a commitment to empower every Nigerian with the knowledge and proficiency needed to navigate and excel in the digital landscape.
While extending gratitude to all the partners, sponsors, and individuals who have joined hands to make the “DigitalForAll Initiative” a reality, Inuwa urged all parties to embark on the challenging journey with enthusiasm, determination, and a shared vision of a digitally inclusive Nigeria..
Earlier, Joel Ogunsola, Founder of Tech4Dev, in his welcome address and brief overview of the DigitalForAllChallenge, disclosed that a total of 150 Million Naira will be won across the different categories as prizes.
Mr. Ogunsola said, “We believe and are driven by the fact that every Nigerian deserves the right to digital literacy and skills for the future of work. There are very intentional efforts by NITDA to invest in the sustainability of this initiative for the long run.”
He also informed the audience that there will be, the state level challenges, regional; at the geopolitical level, and the grand finale which will be held on NITDA’s Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition Day.
He said, “The challenge has two phases, the training and competition phases. After the first, beneficiaries will be required to take an assessment to qualify for the second phase”, the Founder espoused.
The initiative by Tech4Dev in partnership with NITDA and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is arguably Africa’s largest digital skilling competition, designed to reward self-development and encourage the acquisition and use of digital skills through competitive incentives.