YabaTech and UNICEF Collaborate to Establish Tech Hub Empowering 5,250 Girls in Digital Skills Development
Yaba College of Technology, Nigeria’s foremost tertiary institution, has unveiled an Information Communication Technology Hub in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). This initiative aims to equip 5,250 girls in Lagos State with essential education and skills to thrive in an increasingly digital landscape.
During the launch on Thursday, Dr. (Engr.) Ibraheem Abdul, the college’s Rector, highlighted the significance of this Tech Hub as a milestone not just for YabaTech but for the broader community. He emphasized that investing in girls’ education is crucial for the future of families, communities, and nations alike.
Dr. Abdul elaborated on the broader benefits of educating girls, stating, “Educated women tend to make healthier choices for themselves and their families, contribute to economic growth, and uplift their communities.”
He urged stakeholders to collaborate in overcoming the barriers to girls’ education, such as socio-economic disparities, cultural norms, and insufficient resources in various regions. “This program addresses these challenges directly by fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where girls can excel both academically and personally,” he noted.
The vision of the Girls’ Education and Skills Partnership (GESP) program is to provide girls with vital life skills, technical training, and leadership opportunities, enabling them to chase their dreams. Dr. Abdul explained that by working with local communities, government agencies, NGOs, and industry partners, they aim to create a comprehensive framework that meets the diverse needs of participants.
Key elements of the program include the enhancement of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions’ capacity to equip adolescent girls and young women with skills relevant to the job market, utilizing gender-responsive pedagogies. “We will train 1,750 primary beneficiaries aged 13-24 in four ICT skills: Computer Hardware Repair, Mobile Phone Repair, Website Development, and Mobile Application Development,” he revealed.
This initiative is designed to empower more adolescent girls and young women to enter ICT-related fields, paving the way for more secure livelihoods. Dr. Abdul acknowledged the contributions of Project Coordinator Dr. Funmilayo Doherty and her team, including Dr. Idowu Aneyo and Mr. Amos Alade, as well as project partners such as the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Generation Unlimited, in successfully launching the Tech Hub.
Expressing confidence in the potential of educating young women, whom he termed the future of the country, Dr. Abdul called for a collective effort from educators, industry leaders, and community members to create a society where every girl has equal opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed. “Seize this opportunity, engage fully in the program, and remember that education is about empowering yourself to make informed choices and pursue your passions,” he encouraged.
Earlier, Dr. Doherty highlighted the crucial need to tackle the significant challenge of inadequate practical and industry-relevant skills among female graduates. “Many students, particularly girls, who complete their education often lack the practical, industry-relevant skills essential for employment,” she pointed out. This skills gap contributes to high unemployment rates, hindering the nation’s economic growth.
She further noted that the workforce is ill-prepared to meet the demands of modern industries and the global economy, stating that the GESP program represents a bold and innovative response to these challenges, especially in the ICT sector. “We are equipping our young women with the tools they need to succeed and positioning them as leaders within their communities and contributors to the national economy,” she affirmed.
“This program transcends mere education; it symbolizes our commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women. Through collaborations with industry and academia, gender-responsive teaching methods, and the creation of inclusive learning spaces, the GESP program aims to dismantle barriers that have historically limited girls’ involvement in STEM and TVET fields. We are not just providing training; we are fostering the confidence and resilience of our young women, ensuring they receive the necessary support to excel in traditionally male-dominated sectors,” Dr. Doherty assured.
She also announced that registration for the program has commenced, with over 700 girls already enrolled for the free ICT training set to begin in October. Dr. Doherty emphasized that trainers, including teachers and master craftspeople, will be equipped with the necessary resources to facilitate inclusive and supportive learning environments. “Ultimately, this initiative will contribute to the transformation of our economy and the upliftment of our communities,” she concluded.
Dr. Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), represented by South West Director Elder Ayo Aroge, pledged the board’s support for the initiative, aligning it with their mandate to promote technical and vocational education across the nation.
UNICEF’s project officer in Nigeria, Babagana Aminu, expressed gratitude to the college for launching the Tech Hub, assuring that they would provide essential technical support as partners to ensure the successful implementation of the training for the girls.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, committed the State Government’s readiness to collaborate with YabaTech and other stakeholders to eliminate barriers impeding girls’ education, enabling them to reach their full potential and contribute to the economic development of the state and the nation.
Mrs. Anike Adekanye, representing Governor Sanwo-Olu, also praised the initiative, promising necessary support to enhance girls’ education and empowerment for rapid economic growth.
