Don Charts Path for women’s digital inclusion for Nigeria
Prof. Ganiyat A. Adesina-Uthman, a lecturer at Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and WIDEN Principal Investigator, Nigeria, has unveiled a roadmap aimed at accelerating digital inclusion and technology empowerment for Nigerian women, as part of the WIDEN AI for Sustainable Development Project. The workshop, which is in partnership with British Council, Brunel University of London, […]
Prof. Ganiyat A. Adesina-Uthman, a lecturer at Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and WIDEN Principal Investigator, Nigeria, has unveiled a roadmap aimed at accelerating digital inclusion and technology empowerment for Nigerian women, as part of the WIDEN AI for Sustainable Development Project.
The workshop, which is in partnership with British Council, Brunel University of London, NOUN, and Nasarawa State University, was held at Open University of Nigeria headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
Speaking at a dissemination event marking the culmination of the initiative, Ganiyat described the programme as more than a research exercise, saying it is a movement designed to unlock the technological talent of Nigerian women.
The project surveyed nearly 1,000 women across the country, revealing a youthful ambitious demographic eager to participate in the digital economy.
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According to the findings, almost 60 per cent of respondents are under 24, while about 71 indicated they are very likely to pursue careers in technology.
However, the data also exposed a significant barrier, as more than half of the respondents identified themselves as beginners in digital skills, pointing to a widening skills gap.
The study further revealed that 13.7 percent of the participants live with disabilities, underscoring the urgent need for inclusive technology design and an accessible learning system.
Speaking, the Vice Chancellor, NOUN, Professor Uduma Oji Uduma, said the institution is built on the very principles of openness and opportunity that WIDEN champions.
According to him, the project resonates so deeply with our institutional soul, saying findings by the project indicated a youthful, eager population of women held back primarily by a lack of training and opportunity.
In her remarks, Mrs Rakiya Ilyasu, director university Education, Federal Ministry of Education represented by Amina Yazid Ibrahim, said the digital empowerment network for Nigerian women is already showing real impact.
According to her, when women gain digital tools, they boost household income, community resilience, and national growth, saying scaling these networks with inclusive design, reliable infrastructure, and sustained mentorship is key.
Saa”datu Hassan Liman, Vice Chancellor Nasarawa State University, said that the project becomes more necessary with the rise of automation and artificial intelligence.
She stated that there is the dire need for a shift among the young ones to equip them with the necessary skills and technical know- how.