To promote cyber safety education among girls, a tech education firm, Epower, has established safety clubs in 48 schools across Ibadan and Osogbo.
The firm unveiled the cyber safety education initiative for young adults through its Google-funded Cyber Hygiene project.
In a survey conducted in March 2024 and released on Wednesday, the firm revealed alarming statistics: 46% of surveyed students in Ibadan have witnessed cyberbullying, with 50% unaware of how to seek help.
In Osogbo, the situation is even more concerning, with 50% observing cyberbullying and a staggering 64% lacking knowledge on accessing internet support. These findings highlight the urgent need for intervention.
To address the growing threat of cyberbullying, the firm, under the leadership of its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Olugbenga Ogunbowale, launched the Epower Cyber Safety Educator Certification (ECSEC) programme, training 56 ICT teachers from partner schools across Oyo and Osun States.
The hybrid training model combined online and in-person sessions, covering culturally sensitive and digital security practices.
The 48 participating schools include 19 in Ibadan and 29 in Osogbo, where 950 student ambassadors, supervised by ICT teachers, lead the clubs, focusing on internet safety and digital responsibility.
Ogunbowale stressed that the initiative is the result of a partnership with the ministries of education in Oyo and Osun.
He noted that the firm is committed to empowering educators as frontline defenders, as well as building a robust network to shield young people from cyberbullying.
“We call on parents and community members to join us in this fight, creating a united front against this growing threat,” he added.
The ECSEC training was met with great enthusiasm from participating educators.
“This training was eye-opening,” said Miss Oluyemisi Omotosho, an ICT teacher at Oba Akinyele Grammar School. “I’m now equipped and determined to implement these crucial lessons in my classroom.”
Mr. Taiwo Akanbi echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude and hope for future collaborations with Epower.
