Workshop Promotes Women's Digital Inclusion in Nigeria

A workshop held in Abuja on Thursday aimed at promoting women's digital inclusion in Nigeria, organized in partnership with the British Council, Brunel University London, and the National Open University of Nigeria. The event culminated in the dissemination of findings from a survey of nearly 1,000 women across the country, indicating that almost 60% of respondents aged 24 to 71 expressed interest in pursuing careers in technology.

However, the data revealed significant barriers, with half of the respondents identifying themselves as beginners in digital skills, highlighting a widening skills gap. Additionally, 13.7% of participants reported living with disabilities, underscoring the urgent need for inclusive technology design and access to learning systems.

Vice Chancellor of the National Open University, Professor Uduma Oji Uduma, emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for women, while Mr. Rakiya Ilyasu from the Federal Ministry of Education noted the real impact of digital empowerment on household income and community resilience. The event stressed the necessity of equipping youth with the skills needed for the rise of artificial intelligence.