The flagship programme is designed to equip citizens with the digital tools they need to thrive in the 21st century and position Bauchi as a rising hub of innovation in Northern Nigeria.

Declaring the initiative open, Senator Bala Mohammed, Bauchi State governor described digital literacy as “a fundamental right for all citizens” and a cornerstone of the state’s development vision.

“Technology and innovation are the fastest-growing industries in the world,” the Governor said. “With the right skills, people can now create sustainable value from anywhere, even from their own homes. This is how we will empower our youth, strengthen institutions, and enable our entrepreneurs to succeed globally.”

Governor Mohammed emphasized that the ultimate aim is to create jobs that provide lasting value, fight poverty, and restore dignity.

He noted that Bauchi has invested heavily in infrastructure over the past six years to unlock opportunities and connect its vibrant youth to global markets.

NITDA’s Commitment to Digital Inclusion

Representing Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, NITDA’s director general, Dr. Ayodeji Eniola praised Bauchi State for its forward-thinking approach.

“This is a bold step towards ensuring the state is not left behind in the ongoing global digital revolution,” he said.

The DL4ALL Bauchi Initiative aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0 and the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF), which focuses on six competencies: device and software use, data literacy, digital content creation, communication, safety, and problem-solving.

Three Pillars of the DL4ALL Bauchi Initiative

The programme will be delivered through three major pathways: Informal Sector Programme: Targeting artisans, traders, and informal workers with practical digital skills. Already, 7,101 Digital Literacy Champions trained by NITDA and the NYSC have reached more than 267,000 Nigerians, with a target of 30 million by 2027.

Workforce Readiness Programme: Designed for public servants, graduates, and job seekers, focusing on employability and productivity skills. NITDA aims to train five million workers nationwide, working with partners such as Cisco and the Office of the Head of Service.

Educational Sector Programme: Integrating digital literacy into schools. A new Basic Education Digital Skills Curriculum, approved in October 2024, will roll out in September 2025, with plans to train 3,600 teachers across the country.

Bauchi’s Digital Ambition

Highlighting Nigeria’s youthful population as its greatest asset, Inuwa noted that Bauchi—with its abundant talent and strategic location, can become a hub for digital innovation and transformation.

Malam Hayatudeen Babamaji, director general of the Bauchi State Bureau for ICT and Digital Economy, echoed this vision.

“This is not just about launching a programme; it is about setting a bold agenda for the digital future of Bauchi State,” he said.

He reaffirmed Bauchi’s ambition to build a secure, inclusive, and globally competitive digital economy that generates jobs and revenue while bridging the digital divide.

A Milestone Moment

The launch attracted senior government officials, technology leaders, development partners, and lawmakers, underscoring its importance in the state’s transformation journey.

For Bauchi, the DL4ALL Initiative marks more than just a policy milestone, it signals the state’s determination to embrace technology as a driver of opportunity, prosperity, and inclusive growth.

At NITMA 2023, Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu FNCS, the President of the Nigeria Computer Society, giving the welcome address, expressed gratitude, emphasizing the key role of the organization as the umbrella body for information technology practitioners, interest groups, and stakeholders in Nigeria.

“Nigerian Computer Society has been the voice of Information Technology Professionals for the past four decades now, presently, with about 15,000 members spread across all sectors of the economy,” Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu said.

Underlining the importance of recognizing exceptional contributions to the industry, the President highlighted the significance of the NCS NITMA Awards in honouring individuals, professionals, and corporate organizations that have left a lasting impact on information technology. The awards encompassed categories such as Digital Governor of the Year, IT Personality of the Year, IT Company of the Year, Technology Innovation Award, Youth Innovator of the Year, and IT Gold Merit Award.

“The advocacy efforts of Nigerian Computer Society, geared towards achieving sustainable development in Nigeria, will not be complete without recognizing excellent and exceptional individuals, professionals, and corporate organizations who have made significant impact in the industry.”

The Chairman of the occasion, Bosun Tijani, represented by Ibrahim Tize, commended the NCS for its continuous growth and urged attendees to enjoy the festivities responsibly.

The well-executed event showcased the strides and achievements of Nigeria’s Information Technology community, giving prominence to its essence in the nation’s development journey.

At NITMA, the Digital Governor of the Year Award was bestowed upon His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, acknowledging his outstanding contributions to the digital sector of the state.

His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani, Executive Governor of Kaduna State, was recognized for his commendable efforts in advancing digital initiatives, earning him the esteemed Digital Governor of the Year Award.

Tunji Gafaar, MD/CEO of Digital Communications Konsult (DCK), received the IT Personality of the Year Award, a recognition of his noteworthy achievements and leadership in the information technology sector. Tunji Gafaar was celebrated for his exemplary contributions to the IT landscape.

Inlaks, a prominent player in the IT industry, received the IT Company of the Year Award, recognizing its outstanding performance and significant contributions to the national development plan.

First Bank secured the Technology Innovation Award in the banking sector, commending its forward-thinking approach and transformative contributions to the industry, setting a benchmark for technological innovation.

Simeon Oyebola, a Software Engineer, emerged as the Youth Innovator of the Year, distinguished for his innovative expertise and impactful contributions to the IT field.

The IT Gold Merit Award was conferred upon Senator Bala Mohammed, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, acknowledging his solid commitment to IT education and human capital development.

The NCS expressed gratitude to partners, sponsors, and attendees for their continued support, promising to keep advancing the Information Technology profession in Nigeria.

Looking ahead, preparations for the 2024 International Conference were announced, with a focus on Smart technology, and an analytical solution for a smarter and more digitally inclusive nation.