Centre Trains Young Nigerians In Online Safety, Digital Rights

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has trained 40 people on effective internet use, digital rights and online safety as part of its commitment to promoting digital inclusion and access to information.

The training took place during the 8th edition of the Bauchi Feminist Internet School (BAFIS), an initiative designed to nurture a new generation of internet advocates who will champion digital inclusion and equitable access to the internet across Nigeria.

At the opening ceremony of the training yesterday, CITAD executive director, Yunusa Zakari Ya’u, said the programme was established to bridge the gender digital divide and empower young people with the knowledge and skills needed to participate meaningfully in the digital space.

“Since the programme began in 2018, we have trained about 300 young advocates across Nigeria who are working to improve the digital space for everyone,” he said.

Represented by Ali Sabo, CITAD’s digital rights lead, Ya’u noted that BAFIS has evolved into a flagship initiative dedicated to addressing gender disparities in digital access across Northern Nigeria.

“When we envisioned this school in 2018, we identified a critical gap that could no longer be ignored. Since then, BAFIS has grown into a groundbreaking initiative focused on bridging the gender digital divide in Northern Nigeria.

“For too long, cultural and structural barriers have limited women’s participation in the digital ecosystem. Today, we are challenging the outdated notion that technology is a space reserved for men,” he said.

He added that the programme seeks to build a sustainable network of digitally empowered women and men who will help shape the future of technology and internet governance in Nigeria.

“Our goal goes beyond basic digital literacy. We are raising a new generation of tech leaders equipped to advocate for equal internet access and digital equity across the country.

“We are also working to dismantle systemic barriers, online violence, and socio-economic challenges that prevent women, particularly in Northern Nigeria, from safely accessing and shaping digital technologies,” he added.

Ya’u YZ stressed the importance of women’s participation in internet governance and policy-making processes, noting that true digital inclusion requires representation in decision-making spaces.

“The internet has become a critical platform for governance, commerce, education, and human rights. Excluding women from this space means excluding half of society’s intelligence, creativity, and leadership,” he said.

He identified internet marginalisation as one of the major challenges facing many communities in Northern Nigeria, especially rural areas, where access to digital opportunities remains limited.

“Through this school, we aim to bridge that gap by promoting internet penetration and ensuring that access and usage are available to everyone.

“We bring together participants from different communities to learn about digital rights, online safety, internet governance, and cybersecurity. After the training, they return to their communities to engage policymakers, community leaders, and residents on the need for greater digital inclusion,” he explained.

He further noted that internet security and online safety are key components of the training.

“We teach participants how to secure their devices, protect their social media accounts, and safeguard their online platforms. With cyber threats and online scams on the rise, it is important for young people to understand how to protect themselves while using the internet,” he said.

Also speaking, the coordinator of BAFIS, Fatima Babakura, said the initiative was established to address the persistent gender digital divide and ensure that women are adequately represented in technology-related decision-making processes.

“Our goal is to ensure that women are not left behind in the digital space. We observed that men generally have greater access to digital opportunities and occupy more decision-making positions. Through this initiative, we are empowering girls and young women with digital knowledge and advocacy skills,” she said.

Babakura disclosed that participants were drawn from different states and communities, including Bauchi, Kano, Plateau, Abuja, Borno, Yobe, and other parts of the country.

“Although it is called the Bauchi Feminist Internet School, the programme continues to attract participants from across Nigeria because of its relevance and impact. This reflects the growing demand for digital literacy and internet rights education among women and young people,” she added.

One of the participants, Abubakar Yahuza Abubakar from Kaduna State, said the training had deepened his understanding of digital engagement, digital rights, and responsible internet use.

“My expectation is that participants will gain a better understanding of digital engagement and how to use digital platforms responsibly. With many young Nigerians active online, it is important to understand both the opportunities and responsibilities associated with digital participation.

“We are witnessing challenges such as misinformation, hate speech, online harassment, and other forms of misuse of digital platforms. Programmes like this help young people learn how to engage responsibly, respect digital rights, and operate within the framework of existing laws and regulations,” he said.