A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), known as Plan International, has called for a functional policy and enabling environment to bridge the technology and digital gaps among young girls in the country.
Mr Tunde Aremu, the Organisation’s Policy Research and Influencing Manager, stated this in FCT, Abuja at the 2023 Girls in ICT Day organised by the group in collaboration with TechHer.
Aremu, called on Nigerian government to build a harmless and affordable spaces to improve the skill sets of young girls in the country, and for them to advance in the area of technology.
He said: “As part of efforts of motivating our girls to show active interest in technology, we must consciously invest in them and create policy on their safe spaces.”
”Beyond investment, we must consciously step out and create safer spaces where these girls can have access to technology and make use of them.
Adesola Ayo-Adereleu, the project Lead, Project Female Experts Source Guide Development, while addressing the students through zoom advised participants to take advantage of the positive opportunities in the digital space.
Ayo-Adereleu urged the participants to avoid negative exposure that comes with technology, shore up their skills, and convert them to technological use.
However, She noted that no one with the knowledge of ICT and it’s certifications would ever be jobless.
Also,Sonia Dawarga, a trainer from TechHer, who put the participants through on how to navigate the technology, advised them to make good use of the opportunity to better their lives.
It was reported that, the event featured students from private and public secondary schools in the FCT on ICT themed quiz competition, debate competition and mentorship/career conversations.
However, the participating schools include, Light of day school Kubwa, Government Girls Secondary school, Capville schools Kubwa, Olamawu College Wuse 2, Maitama Model School and Dutse etc.
Capville schools came top at the end of the ICT themed debates and quiz competitions, with two students representing the school.
The six top winners were awarded different prizes, while other participants received consolation prizes.
The winners will equally be mentored on ICT by Plan International and TechHer for a period of six months (NAN).
