These initiatives address barriers to tech education and careers while emphasizing the pivotal role of AI skills in driving innovation and prosperity. It lays the foundation for a thriving tech hub and contributes to economic growth and technological advancement.

The Kaduna State Government, in partnership with Google and Data Science Nigeria, launched on April 30, the AI for Beginners Learning Video Series. The program, presented in Hausa, aims to make AI education more inclusive in Northern Nigeria, making technology more culturally relevant and accessible to women in the region.

Governor of the state, Uba Sani, highlighted the government's commitment to digital transformation and economic growth. He emphasized the importance of equipping women with AI skills to drive innovation and prosperity. “AI is not just the future; it’s the present. By equipping our people, especially our women, with AI skills, we’re paving the way for a more prosperous and innovative Northern Nigeria and laying the foundation for Kaduna to become a thriving tech hub,” he said.

Northern Nigeria encounters several challenges that hinder tech education and career opportunities, such as socio-cultural complexities, and language barriers among others. Unicef's 2022 report on Education Opportunities for Out-of-School Children (OOSC) reveals that one in three children in Nigeria are not attending school, with 66% of them located in the Northeast and Northwest regions, and over 50% being girls. This highlights the need for education and skills development, particularly in the tech sector, for women in Northern Nigeria as these skills and literacy are crucial for digital development.

Through engaging culturally relevant imagery and animations, the series seeks to make digital concepts relatable, encouraging women's participation in the tech sector. The Series is available on platforms like YouTube and in Kaduna State schools

The initiative marks a significant step forward in empowering Northern Nigerian women with essential digital skills, fostering economic growth and technological innovation in the region.

Hikmatu Bilali