Stakeholders that gathered for the 12^th edition of the celebration of the International Girls in ICT Campaign organised by eBusiness Life Communication Limited in Lagos last Thursday, have called on parents and corporates to make concerted efforts at investing in the young girls to enable them prepare for tech careers of the future.

In his keynote address at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida charged the girls to follow evolving trends in the world of technology and pursue excellence in order to make a difference in the workforce of the future. Dr. Maida, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Head Corporate Communication, NCC, Nnenna Ukoha noted that there will always be gaps to be filled in the ICT field.

According to the NCC Boss, the significance of encouraging young girls and women to consider careers in ICT stems from the fact that the gender represents half of the global population, and it will only be fair and equitable to seek their views and input in standards that are essential to the shaping of technology.

Furthermore, he noted that encouraging these girls is an investment in the future of the nation. “The ICT sector offers exciting and well-paid career opportunities; from software development to data analysis, cybersecurity to artificial intelligence, the opportunities are endless. By encouraging more girls and women to enter the ICT field, we can help bridge the digital divide and ensure that everyone has equal access to the opportunities of the digital age,” Maida opined.

He further encouraged young women to latch onto the provisions of Federal Government’s 3MTT initiative, which seeks to provide  and empower young Nigerians with technology career opportunities in AI/Machine Learning; Data Analysis & Visualisation; User Interface (UI), User Design (UX) among others.

In a virtual message from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the Secretary General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin explained that the 2024 theme, “Leadership”, speaks to more than holding a job title or position of power, but about harnessing the power of ideas and innovation, and the ability to navigate change with confidence even as a student.

“Right now, just 21% of all ICT Ministers are women, and only 32 out of 165 ICT regulators are led by a woman.  In the highest positions of government, gender equality will not be reached for another 130 years. In the private sector women in technologists occupy less than a third of positions and face a pay gap of up to 21%. Just 22% of AI workers globally are women.  And the hiring rate of women in tech leadership roles has stalled. When we look at C-Suite roles in STEM, just 1 in 8 is held by a woman.” She called for investment in girl education, mentorship and skill-building opportunities so they can not only succeed, but thrive as digital trailblazers.

Manager, South-West Zonal office, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mrs. Jumoke Alaka, who represented the Director General of the Agency, Dr. Inuwa Abdulahi, highlighted the numerous opportunities inherent in the ICT sector, and implored the young girls to stay away from negative sides of technology as a means of impacting the society positively.  She encouraged them to also read hard copy materials as a means of retaining knowledge and referencing. She encouraged them to read more of hard copy materials to avoid distractions and easy switch to unnecessary Apps that come with reading from gadgets.

Mrs. Alaka also charged parents to guide their children on the beneficial use of ICT gadgets. While taking the young girls on an insightful tech-talk session, Digital Strategist and Founder, ‘MissTechy’ – Nigeria’s top Female Tech Blog and video channel, Oluwatobi Ayeni, charged them to be inquisitive and explore ICT. This, she noted, will help them develop interest that will culminate into driving initiatives and filling gaps in technology.

CEO, MyHealthHub, Dr. (Mrs.) Ochuko Ibe while taking the girls on a health talk, challenged them to look at situations around them and seek ways of plugging gaps with technology. She referenced her journey through different fields and how she developed a passion for technology and now uses it to bridge medical gap in rural and underserved areas.

In her welcome address, Convener, Girls-In-ICT/CEO, e-Business Life Communication Limited, Mrs. Ufuoma Emuophedaro, citing ITU’s estimate of skills shortfall of over two million jobs in the ICT sector within the next five years, said girls and young women who learn coding, apps development and computer science will not only be well-placed for a successful career in the ICT sector, but ICT skills that are rapidly becoming a strong advantage for students in just about any other field they might choose to pursue. “Girls with ICT skills can expect to earn good salaries and enjoy plenty of career opportunities. Girls in ICT Day reminds us that ICTs help to improve the lives of people everywhere – through better health care, better environmental management, better communications, and better educational systems that transform the way children and adults learn.”

Zarttalent, a foundation focused on driving technological innovation among Nigerian youths has partnered with Covenant University for the 2024 Career Fair, held on Friday, May 10, 2024, at the university’s campus located on Idiroko Road, Ota, Ogun State.

Themed “Limitless Future,” the career fair brought together seasoned professionals, and innovative educators to inspire the next generation of industry leaders. Through interactive workshops, insightful panel discussions, and networking opportunities, students gained invaluable insights into the ever-evolving technology landscape.

The partnership between Zarttalent Foundation and Covenant University underscores a shared vision to empower the final year, post-graduates and the I.T eligible students with practical knowledge and experiences that will serve as a springboard for their careers.

Expressing his enthusiasm about the impact of the partnership on the students, The Chief Executive Officer, Zarttalent Foundation, Nelson T. Ajulo said, “At Zarttalent Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of education and technology. Our partnership with Covenant University for the 2024 Career Fair reflects our dedication to equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in today’s fast-paced world.

By embracing the theme of ‘Limitless Future,’ we are empowering students to dream big, think outside the box, and confidently pursue their passions. Together with Covenant University, we’re paving the way for a future with endless possibilities.”

Recall that in the first quarter of 2024, the foundation initiated partnerships with Nigerian universities, commencing with a well-received event at Afe Babalola University in Ekiti State. This event attracted over 100 students exposed to tech courses and workshops created by the Zarttalent Academy.

A 2022 report by the Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency on the IT talent gap assessment in Nigeria suggested that there is a big gap between what the Universities deliver in terms of IT knowledge compared to what the alternative technology organisations deliver. Consequently, Zartaalent aims to address this gap by introducing students to advanced tech courses to enhance their skills.

The 2024 Career Fair marks the beginning of an exciting journey for students at Covenant University, as they embark on a path filled with endless opportunities and boundless potential. Through innovative initiatives and strategic partnerships, Zarttalent Foundation and Covenant University are poised to shape the future of technology and empower the leaders of tomorrow.

The date for the 2024 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum on Internet Governance for Development (IG4D) has been unwrapped for Thursday, June 27, by organisers, ITREALMS Media group.

Disclosing this, the Lead Consulting Strategist, DigitalSENSE Africa and Group Executive Editor, ITREALMS Media, Mr. Remmy Nweke, said that this year’s edition marks the 15^th edition of Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum on IG4D series and comes with the theme “IG4D: Innovative Digital Economy & Safer Civic Space in Nigeria” at the prestigious Welcome Center Hotels, International Airport Road, Lagos.

Nweke recalled that in 2009, the Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum (NDSF) series on Internet Governance for Development made a debut and ever since has been steadfast in rallying stakeholders to take discourse on Internet access, openness, affordability, connectivity and ICT infrastructure among others.

This year, he also said, as NDSF marks 15th years of impacting various Nigeria’s economic sector with yet another series on the theme: IG4D: Innovative Digital Economy and Safer Civic Space in Nigeria.

“It will also be a time for recognition of corporates and individuals for their contributions in deepening Internet penetration, improving access and affordability as well as technological adaptation that begets digital sense in our society,” Nweke said.

NDSF series on IG4D, powered by ITREALMS Media group is hosted by DigitalSENSE Africa, an At-Large Structure (ALS) certified by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), in collaboration with relevant stakeholders including Internet Society (ISOC), Nigeria chapter, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN) among others.