The push for digital inclusion in Nigeria just hit a major milestone. More than 600 women have now completed intensive ICT training through a partnership between the Renewed Hope (RH) Initiative and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). The program’s 2025 cohort graduated at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, signalling a growing national commitment to empowering women with the digital skills needed for the modern economy.
A Growing Movement for Digital Inclusion
At the closing ceremony, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who also chairs the RH Initiative, celebrated the achievements of the participants and urged them to keep building on their new skills. Her message was simple but powerful: start small, be consistent, and let your work speak for you.
She also announced plans to extend ICT training to the wives of executives nationwide, emphasizing that every woman—regardless of background—deserves the opportunity to participate in the country’s digital future.
Inside the 3-Week Digital Skills Bootcamp
The women underwent a hands-on three-week program that covered:
- Basic device and software usage
- Content creation and digital marketing
- Online safety and responsible digital participation
- Problem-solving using digital tools
The curriculum reflects a broader shift in Nigeria’s digital strategy: ensuring citizens don’t just use technology—they understand, leverage, and create with it.
NITDA’s Broader Mission: A Digitally Empowered Nigeria
NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, praised the First Lady’s leadership and linked the initiative to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly around economic diversification and human capital development.
He highlighted the National Digital Literacy Framework, which aims for:
- 70% digital literacy by 2027
- 95% digital literacy by 2030
According to Inuwa, NITDA has already trained more than 1,000,143 Nigerians under the current administration—including 32,000 civil servants—making it one of the largest digital capacity-building efforts in Africa.
A Program Growing in Impact
What started small is now accelerating quickly:
- 35 women trained in 2023
- 252 women trained in 2024
- 320 women trained in 2025
That’s more than 600 women now equipped with digital skills—many of whom are expected to bring their knowledge back to their communities. In fact, the DG urged each participant to mentor at least two to three additional women, creating a ripple effect that could transform local digital ecosystems.
Why This Matters for Nigeria’s Digital Future
This initiative aligns with global trends showing that women’s digital empowerment drives economic growth, boosts innovation, and strengthens communities. As Nigeria expands its digital economy—from fintech to e-commerce to AI—programs like this ensure women aren’t left behind.
The training also supports the broader shift toward digital entrepreneurship, enabling participants to explore new income streams such as freelance work, content creation, online business, remote roles, and more.
The Participants’ Response
Graduates expressed deep appreciation and noted increased confidence in navigating digital tools. Many say they now feel prepared to explore career opportunities, launch online ventures, or start teaching others.
Final Takeaway
Nigeria’s journey toward a digitally empowered population is growing faster than many expected—and women are proudly at the center of this transformation.
What do you think will be the biggest impact of expanding digital literacy among women across Nigeria?
