The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, has underscored the importance of gender inclusion in digital literacy programs across Nigeria.
Speaking at the launch of the Quality Education and Girl Child Initiatives (Luminah 2030)—an event organized by the Federal Ministry of Education at the Federal Secretariat Complex—Inuwa emphasized the need for equal opportunities in education and technology. The initiative aims to foster an inclusive and high-quality education system in Nigeria.
Luminah 2030 is a key component of the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) for Renewed Hope, which focuses on six priority areas: STEM-M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Out-of-School Children, Girl Child Education, Data and Digitalization, and Education Quality Assurance.
The Luminah Girl Child Initiative, in particular, is committed to addressing the issue of out-of-school children by empowering young girls through education. These programs are set to transform Nigeria’s educational system, creating more opportunities and driving national progress.
In his speech, Inuwa highlighted the critical role of technology in empowering women and fostering economic growth. He stressed NITDA’s dedication to boosting digital literacy, especially among women, to close the gender gap in STEM and tech-related fields.
“When you educate a man, you educate an individual, but when you educate a woman, you educate a nation,” he stated, emphasizing the long-term societal benefits of investing in women’s education.
Citing statistics, Inuwa noted that women make up less than 20% of the STEM workforce, a trend reflected in Nigeria. He warned that excluding half the population from key technological advancements could hinder national development.
“Our women’s population is nearly equal to men’s. If we continue to leave out 50% of our population in key sectors, it would be disastrous for the nation,” he cautioned.
Inuwa outlined NITDA’s ongoing collaborations with the Ministries of Education and Women Affairs to implement gender-inclusive digital programs. Under the leadership of the Minister of Education, efforts are being made to integrate digital skills and literacy into the curriculum from primary to tertiary education levels.
Beyond formal education, he revealed that NITDA is expanding digital literacy programs to the informal sector. In partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the agency is training women in markets, religious centers, and motor parks, equipping them with essential digital skills.
These initiatives align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of diversifying the economy and increasing productivity through digital training. According to Inuwa, the ultimate goal is to help position Nigeria as a one-trillion-dollar economy by harnessing digital skills and technology inclusion.
“Our goal is clear, our resolve is stronger than ever, and by working together with the Ministries of Education and Women Affairs, we can ensure digital skills and literacy are embedded in everything we do,” he concluded.
During the event, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, officially inaugurated five committees under the Quality Education and Learning Initiative and another five under the Luminah 2030 program. He urged committee members to carry out their responsibilities with dedication, professionalism, and a strong sense of purpose.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Minister of Women Affairs, H.E. Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, among others.
