An Information and Communication Technology development project, KAD ICT Hub, says it has trained over 12,000 persons in digital skills in the past five years in Kaduna State.
Mr Yusuf Bashir, Chief Executive Officer of the programme, stated this during the annual Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Creativity Festival, on Wednesday in Kaduna.
The event was organised in collaboration between the the programme and the Kaduna Ministry for Business Innovation and Technology (MBIT), to commomerate the 55 anniversary of the state.
He said the KAD ICT Hub established to bridge the digital gap in the state, adding that the beneficiaries had provided two world class solutions for vehicle registration and development levy collection.
The initiative also provided opportunities to fast track ICT skills development that could help generate N8.5 billion revenues annually to the state.
He said the technology and creativity were key drivers of the global economy and Nigeria had an asset that could be tapped in those areas to achieve sustainable development.
“The purpose of this programme is to nurture our youth into a sustainable path that will lead them for sustainable careers in STEM.
“By the end of the programme; we want the students to be inspired to know that there is a path to nurture themselves and get careers in the future.
“We want them to know that the time to wait for government is over,” he said.
The programme, he said, had trained 200 women on digital literacy, and planned to establish a world class library in partnership with the Yasmin Foundation
According to him, Kaduna state and Nigeria will experience rapid development if they focus on STEM and creativity.
He urged the youths to avail themselves opportunities provided by the KAD ICT Hub, to learn, develop ideas and solutions to fast track sustainable social and economic development of the state.
“There are also freelancing platform where they could secure jobs internationally,” he said.
Hajiya Amina Danjuma, State Lead, Skills for Prosperity Nigeria said it was partnering with the KAD ICT Hub, to address unemployment through skill acquisition to enable the youths to secure jobs.
She said the STEM and creavity industry was demand driven which could be harnessed through formal apprenticeship and training.
Prof. Kabir Mato, the Commissioner for MBIT, who was represented by Mr Bitiyong John lauded the hub for creating job opportunities for the teaming youths in the state.
While pledging support to the programme, Mato urged the youths to key into ICT programme to become knowledgeable and self-reliant.
Some of the beneficiaries of the programme commended the gesture, adding that it would help in shifting the young minds towards science, technology and innovation.
Mr Zakari Zamani, a teacher, said the programme encouraged his students to acquire skills to be creative and produce things using their intellects to set up their businesses.
Another beneficiaries, Ummulkhairi Sanusu, a student said she learnt digital skills to enable her to become ICT specialist.
(NAN)
