The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has urged state policymakers to capitalize on their unique resources and strengths to drive economic prosperity. Speaking at a capacity-building workshop held at FutureMap Academy, Hadejia, Jigawa State, Inuwa emphasized the transformative potential of technology in addressing local challenges and creating economic opportunities.
The workshop, themed “AI for Office Productivity, Design Thinking, Agriculture, Health, Education, Energy, and Climate Change,” brought together stakeholders from academia, government, startups, and non-governmental organizations.
Inuwa highlighted Jigawa’s significant number of computer science graduates as an untapped resource, urging policymakers to equip them with relevant skills and opportunities. Reflecting on his personal journey into computer science, he underscored the importance of mentorship in inspiring the next generation to pursue tech-driven careers.
He advocated for policies that foster remote work competencies among young people, sharing success stories of Nigerians who have transitioned to high-paying remote roles with international companies. He also stressed integrating technology into agriculture and other sectors to diversify employment opportunities and improve service delivery.
Citing examples like Uber and Airbnb, Inuwa discussed the role of innovation in disrupting traditional industries. He proposed that government services, such as land and birth certificate registration, could benefit from digital transformation, reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks and enhancing citizen satisfaction.
At NITDA, he revealed how AI is already improving operational efficiency by streamlining processes and managing complex tasks. He urged participants to start with incremental technological changes in their offices, fostering a culture of strategic problem-solving and efficiency.
The workshop also featured a virtual address by Huawei Representative, Dr. Nihinlola Mary Fafore, who reiterated Huawei’s commitment to Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda. She emphasized the company’s efforts to bridge the digital divide and enhance employability through partnerships with stakeholders.
Dr. Rislan Abdulazeez Kanya, Technical Adviser to the Governor of Jigawa State on ICT and Digital Economy, highlighted the state’s commitment to fostering innovation and leveraging local human capital. He described Jigawa’s potential to become a hub for tech-driven development through strategic collaboration with stakeholders like NITDA and Huawei.
Other speakers emphasized the importance of continuous learning in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. They called for collaborative efforts to create technologically advanced and efficient work environments in Jigawa and beyond.
Organized by the FutureMap Foundation in collaboration with NITDA, Jigawa State, Huawei, Cosmopolitan University, and Open School Initiative, the workshop is part of broader efforts to promote inclusive economic growth through digital job creation, skills acquisition, and technology programs.
FutureMap Foundation operates the FutureMap Academy, a physical training facility in Hadejia, offering programs in deep tech in partnership with public and private organizations. The academy aims to equip young people with the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy, contributing to sustainable development and job creation across Nigeria.
