Nigerian Women Urged to Embrace Digital Empowerment - Prof. Peters

Описание: Nigerian Women Urged to Embrace Digital Empowerment - Prof. Peters

Nigerian women have been encouraged to engage with the Women in Digital Empowerment Network ,(WIDEN) workshop for personal growth and development, enhancing their qualifications in their respective trades and careers as the world increasingly becomes a global market.

This call to action was made by Prof. Olufemi Peters, Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria, Jabi-Abuja, who was represented by Prof. Christine Ofulue, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Technology Innovation and Research. The statement was delivered during the second Women in Digital Empowerment Network (WIDEN) workshop held at the National Open University of Nigeria in Jabi, Abuja. The event was funded by the British Council in collaboration with Brunel University London and supported by Nasarawa State University, Keffi.

Prof. Peters emphasized that the WIDEN program aims to broaden the horizons of women, making them more employable. He noted that since the program's inception nearly a year ago, many individuals have benefited, with female entrepreneurs integrating technology into their businesses, thereby enhancing efficiency and accessibility.

He further highlighted that the program set a target of 10% inclusion for people living with disabilities, but successfully admitted 13.7%, showcasing WIDEN's commitment to inclusivity.

The WIDEN initiative also introduced "Nura, X" a female Islamic robot designed to educate and solve problems, further encouraging Nigerian women to participate in the program.

Dr. Irene Angela, representing Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, highlighted that the WIDEN program serves as a gateway to improved entrepreneurship and knowledge for Nigerian women. She urged them to take advantage of the program and expressed gratitude to the British Council for its sponsorship and to the researchers and educators who contributed to its success.

Hajiya Rakiya Gambo Liyasu, Director of Universities Education, represented by Amina Yazid Ibrahim, commended the British Council for such an innovative initiative that has benefited numerous Nigerian women, encouraging them to engage with the WIDEN program.

Prof. Saadatu Hassan Luman, Vice Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, represented by Prof. Ngaegba K'tso Keffi, praised the organizers for bridging the technology gap for Nigerian women and urged them to seize this opportunity to expand their technological knowledge.

Prof. Ganiyat A. Adesina Uthman, the principal investigator, explained that WIDEN was designed to enhance women's technological knowledge and create more opportunities, challenging the stereotype that technology is a male domain.

James David Lalu, PhD, a WIDEN consultant, stated that the program primarily aims to bridge the technological gap among women, particularly those in business and various careers.

Prof. Rashidah Funke Olanrewaju, co-investigator and inventor of Nura X from Nasarawa State University, shared that the program has significantly benefited many participants, leading to substantial improvements in their businesses and employment situations. She elaborated on Nura X's role as a female Islamic robot responsible for various tasks, including education, program creation, and customer service.

WIDEN student Abdulkarem Faossuyat O. expressed that the program taught her coding, which had previously been a major challenge. Another participant, Aliyu Azeezah Bello, noted that the WIDEN program helped her improve her studies, resulting in higher grades and enhanced online research skills.

The WIDEN program concluded with closing remarks from Prof. Sami Michael Ayodele, Directorate of Research Administration Noun and a Widen team Member, who thanked the British Council for sponsoring such a beneficial initiative that has positively impacted many Nigerians. He assured attendees that the program would continue to expand its reach across the nation.