Multi-Cloud Architect computing and AI expert, Jeremiah Kofi, has called on governments and private bodies to empower more women and girls with knowledge of technology.
Speaking during a recent media engagement, he highlighted the need for increased diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, stressing the importance of upskilling women and girls with digital skills to bridge the growing technology gap.
According to him, the benefits of empowering women and girls in tech are numerous as research has shown that diverse teams are more innovative and better equipped to solve problems.
Stressing the importance of mentorship and role models in inspiring women and girls to pursue careers in tech, he noted that mentorship played a critical role in his career. Adding that he was fortunate to have mentors, who pushed him to grow, he said it is essential for empowering women and girls in tech.
Pointing out that the lack of diversity in the tech industry is well known, he said women and girls’ underrepresentation can have serious consequences for the industry and addressing the issue requires a concerted effort from the whole industry.
The Computer Value Foundation, which he co-founded in 2018, is dedicated to bridging the digital divide and empowering underserved communities with access to computer education and digital literacy. He said the foundation remains focused on training programs, computer donations and digital outreach for women and young girls.
Advising aspiring cloud architects, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds to be relentless, learn obsessively, seek out mentors and never be afraid to challenge themselves; he said his vision for the industry is one where women and girls are represented equally.
Urging tech companies to implement policies and programmes that support diversity and inclusion, he said these can come in the form of mentorship programs, scholarships and training initiatives that target underrepresented groups.
In a related development, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has emphasised the critical importance of gender inclusion in digital literacy programmes across Nigeria.
The DG made this known while delivering a goodwill address at the Inauguration of Quality Education and Girl Child Initiatives (Luminah 2030), which was organised by the Federal Ministry of Education at the Federal Secretariat Complex to create an inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education system.
This initiative is a key component of the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) for Renewed Hope, which is centred around six critical priority areas – STEM-M, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), out-of-school children, girl child education, data and digitalisation and education quality assurance.
The Luminah Girl Child Initiative, along with the broader Quality Education and Learning Outcomes Programme, is dedicated to tackling the challenge of out-of-school children, with a strong emphasis on empowering young girls through education.
These initiatives are designed to reshape Nigeria’s educational landscape, paving the way for a brighter, more prosperous future filled with boundless opportunities.
The DG highlighted the necessity of empowering women through technology to drive national progress and underscored the role of education in societal transformation.
