Illmi Children’s Fund, NITDA graduate 100 girls in ICT training

The non-profit organization (NGO) Illmi Children’s Fund and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) have celebrated the International Day of Girls in ICT with the graduation of 100 young girls.

The graduated girls participated in the DIGITGALS 2.0 program, a collaborative initiative equipping adolescent girls in Abuja with critical digital and ICT skills.

DIGITGALS 2.0 is in its second phase which empowered 100 senior secondary school girls selected from five government schools in the FCT.

The girls aged between 15-18 years were equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the digital world and address the growing demand for ICT skills in the 21st century.

The programme culminated in a graduation ceremony on April 25 and commemorated the International Day of Girls in ICT.

The instructions of DIGITGALS 2.0 centred around essential digital literacy, programming fundamentals, digital marketing and communication skills, and cybersecurity awareness.

Maryam Augie-Abdulmumin, the executive director at Illmi Children’s Fund, said the girls were also equipped with the confidence to compete and excel in a globalised digital economy.

“This graduation ceremony on International Day of Girls in ICT is a powerful symbol of our commitment to closing the digital gender gap,” she said.

“This program made possible through our partnership with NITDA signifies a crucial step towards bridging the digital gender gap and fostering a future where women are active leaders in the tech industry.

“This is also an opportunity for these girls to take charge of their futures.”

On his part, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the director-general of NITDA, said building a diverse and inclusive digital workforce is critical for Nigeria’s success.

“We are proud to collaborate with ICF on DIGITGALS 2.0 to empower these young women to become active participants in the tech industry. This program showcases the importance of collaborative efforts in bridging the digital gender gap,” he added.

“These girls have been equipped with essential digital skills, and ICF and NITDA are confident they will become active contributors to Nigeria’s thriving tech landscape.”

The event’s highlight was the presentation of cash gifts to the best participating schools.

The first-place winner was Ene Mercy Chidinma from Army Day Secondary School, Asokoro.

Umar Danladi Maryam from Government Girls Secondary School, Dukpa secured the second spot while the third place was clinched by Ismaila Lawal Toyyibah from Government Girls Secondary School, Dutse.