Governor Bala Mohammed says Digital Literacy is a fundamental right of every citizen.
Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed of
Bauchi State has launched the Digital Literacy and Skills Framework, the CyberNation Programme, and the Bauchi State Data Protection Policy designed to equip citizens with world-class skills, create jobs, and safeguard their digital rights.
Speaking at the Old Banquet Hall, Government House, Governor Bala Mohammed emphasized that digital literacy is now a fundamental right for every citizen acknowledging that his “My Bauchi Project 2.0” is committed to producing productive jobs that are antidotes to poverty.
On the Digital Literacy Framework, developed with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Governor announced his administration’s plans to train over 100,000 citizens in basic digital skills and 2,000 youths in advanced areas like software development, cloud computing, and data analytics by 2027.
Unveiling the CyberNation Programme, in partnership with Protexxa Inc, Governor Bala Mohammed described it as the first of its kind in Nigeria and second in Africa, set to train 500 youths as cybersecurity experts and place them in local and international roles with opportunities to earn foreign currency.
On the Bauchi State Data Protection Policy, developed with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), the Governor said it is a solemn pledge to safeguard the digital rights of the people and ensure compliance with the Data Protection Act across all ministries, departments, and agencies.
In his remarks, the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, explained that the project aligns with Nigeria’s target of 70% digital literacy by 2027 and praised Bauchi state for taking a giant step towards ensuring the state is not left behind in the global digital revolution.
Also speaking, Protexxa’s Country Representative, Mrs Abi Hafsat Abubakar, said the programme gives Bauchi youth a gateway to over 3.5 million global cybersecurity jobs, urging them to rise to the challenge, not as passive beneficiaries but as active creators of opportunity.
On his side, the Director General Bauchi State Bureau for ICT, Hayatudden Babama’aji, described the three initiatives as a powerful interconnected strategy to build a secure, inclusive, and globally competitive digital economy.
