In a determined move to position Bauchi State as a hub for digital innovation and a technologically driven state, Governor Bala Mohammed on Tuesday flagged off an intensive cybersecurity training initiative tagged ‘Cybernation programme’.
The ambitious programme, known as the Digital Literacy and Skill Framework Bauchi Initiative, is developed in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), which will provide basic digital skills training to more than 100,000 citizens by 2027.
Speaking at the launch in Bauchi on Tuesday, Governor Mohammed said the initiative “marks a turning point for our state’s economic future” and will ensure that citizens, especially young people, can participate fully in the global digital economy.
He added that DL4ALL will integrate digital education into schools and workforce with development policies, while creating a talent pipeline for both local and international employers.
He also said it will offer advanced training to 2,000 youths in high-demand technology fields such as software development, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity among others.
According to him, “We acknowledge that Information Technology is today and in the foreseeable future the fastest growing industry and one with increasing capacity to absorb young people with skills. Its advantage is such that everyone can undertake training and acquire skills, be certified and create a sustainable source of livelihood leveraging on its power.
“Our vision is clear: to transform Bauchi into a digitally inclusive, economically vibrant and innovation-driven state. We aim to harness technology not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for economic diversification, human capital development, and social transformation.”
Also, the Managing Director, Galaxy Backbone, Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju, in a goodwill message, harped on the importance of cybersecurity awareness in today’s digital age.
He highlighted the need for collective efforts to equip Nigerians with the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive in a digital society.
He added that through the visionary leadership of Bauchi State Governor, Senator Muhammed, Galaxy Backbone has successfully extended its digital infrastructure to Bauchi via fibre optic connectivity and deployed 3 eLTE base stations to deliver true broadband internet access.
The Country Representative of Protexxa, Abi-Hafsat Abubakar, described the initiative as a gateway to over 3,5 million global cyber security jobs
“The Cyber Nation programme, in partnership with Protexxa Inc, is the first of its kind in Nigeria and second in Africa, whereby 500 youths will be trained as certified cyber security experts with dire pathway to local and international employment, including opportunities to earn foreign currency.”
Other critical stakeholders include the Chief Operating Officer, Protexxa Inc. Canada, Rick Huijbregts; Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida; National Commissioner, Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Dr. Vincent Olatunji and MD, Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited, Mrs Nkechi Idehen, among others.