Get Guardian on GoogleA grassroots initiative led by Emmanuel Umo is helping to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide by introducing foundational technology skills to children in underserved communities.
The programme, launched in 2023, targeted children aged between six and 14, many of whom had little or no prior exposure to computers or digital tools.
Across several communities in Nigeria, limited access to technology continues to shape how children engage with education. While digital tools increasingly define learning and communication globally, many young learners remain excluded at the earliest stages of development.
Umo’s initiative was designed as a direct response to this gap, offering a structured workshop that prioritised hands-on learning over theory.
The sessions brought together children in an environment where curiosity was encouraged and hesitation gradually replaced by confidence. For many participants, it marked their first interaction with a computer.
Rather than relying on conventional instruction, the workshop focused on guided exploration. Participants learned basic computer operations, navigation skills and introductory use of digital tools, alongside early creative engagement with technology.
Facilitators tailored sessions to individual learning pace, ensuring that each child could participate meaningfully regardless of background or prior exposure.
Beyond technical skills, the programme aimed to reshape how children perceive technology. For participants who had previously encountered computers only in theory, the opportunity to interact directly with digital tools proved transformative.
The initiative encouraged questioning, experimentation and a broader understanding of how technology connects to everyday life and future opportunities.
Umo, who independently designed and led the programme, said the long-term goal is to extend its reach beyond primary-level learners.
Plans are underway to expand the initiative to secondary school students and young adults, as part of a broader effort to tackle digital inequality through early and sustained exposure.
As Nigeria continues to navigate a rapidly evolving digital economy, initiatives like this highlight the importance of early intervention in education.
By introducing children to technology at a foundational level, the programme contributes to building digital awareness and preparing young learners for a future where such skills are increasingly essential.
