An Information Communication Technology Hub has been launched at the Nigeria's premier tertiary institution, Yaba College of Technology in partnership with United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF), to equip 5,250 girls in Lagos State with education and necessary skills that will enable them to thrive in ever changing digital world
Rector of the institution, Dr.(Engr.) Ibraheem Abdul described the launching of the Tech-Hub under the Girls' Education and Skills Partnership (GESP) Programme (GESP) on Thursday as significant milestone not only for YabaTech but the community as a whole, saying investing in education of girls, is an investment in future of families, communities and nations
The advantages of educating girls according to him, extend far beyond individual gain
"Educated women tend to make healthier choices for themselves and their families, contribute to economic growth, and uplift their communities", he stated
The Rector however stressed the need for Stakeholders to work together in breaking the barriers to the girls' education which he listed to include socio-economic disparities, cultural norms, and inadequate resources in many regions.
"This programme addresses these challenges head-on by creating a supportive and inclusive environment where girls can thrive academically and personally", he added
"The Vision of the Girls’ Education and Skills Partnership Program Our vision is to equip girls with essential life skills, technical training, and leadership opportunities, enabling them to pursue their dreams and ambitions. By collaborating with local communities, government agencies, NGOs, and industry partners, we aim to create a holistic framework that addresses the diverse needs of our participants", he explained
"Key components of this programme include:Capacity Development of TVET Institutions: during the course of this programme, the capacity of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to equip adolescent girls and young women with market-relevant skills using gender-responsive pedagogies will be enhanced"
" We will train 1,750 primary beneficiaries aged 13-24 years in four different ICT skills: Computer Hardware Repair, Mobile Phone Repair, Website Development, and Mobile Application Development"
"The program will empower more adolescent girls and young women to enter ICT-related businesses, enabling them to attain more secure livelihoods,"he revealed
He then approaciated the major role played by the Project Coordinator, Dr.Funmilayo Doherty, and other team members including Dr. Idowu Aneyo and Mr. Amos Alade as well as project partners: the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the United Nations Children's Education Fund (UNICEF), and Generation Unlimited in ensuring successful launching of the Tech-Hub
The Rector who expressed confidence in the potential of educating young women whom he described as future of the country, called for collective effort of educators, industry leaders, and community membersn in creating a society where evry girl has equal opportunity to learn, grow and succeed
"Seize this opportunity, engage fully in the program, and remember that education is not just about learning—it’s about empowering yourself to make informed choices and pursue your passions", he charged them.
The Project Coordinator, had earlier stressed the need to address the major challenge of lack of practical and industry-relevant skills among female students who graduated from schools
"Many students, especially girls, who complete their education, often a lack of practical, industry-relevant skills that are crucial for employment",
This deficiency in skills development according to her, contributes to high unemployment rates hindering the nation's economic growth
She added that the workforce was ill-prepared to meet the needs of modern industries and the global economy saying
the he GESP program is a bold and innovative response to these challenges. particularly in the ICT sector
"We are not only equipping our young women with the tools they need to succeed, but we are also positioning them to become leaders in their communities and contributors to the national economy"
"This program is more than just an educational initiative—it is a statement of our commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women. Through industry-academic partnerships, gender-responsive pedagogy, and the creation of inclusive learning environments, the GESP program aims to break down the barriers that have historically limited girls’ participation in STEM and TVET fields. We are not just providing training; we are building the confidence and resilience of our young women, ensuring that they have the support they need to thrive in traditionally male-dominated sectors", Doherty assured
"Registration of the girls has commenced, and we have already registered over 700 girls for our free ICT training which is scheduled to commence in October" she disclosed
The Project Coordinator also stated that the trainers including teachers instructors and master craftspeople would also be equipped with the necessary tools to need
"It will ensure that educators and master craftspeople are equipped with the tools they need to create inclusive, supportive learning environments. Ultimately, this initiative will contribute to the transformation of our economy and the upliftment of our communities", she stated
Executive Secretary of National Board for Technical Education NBTE, Dr. Idris Bugaje represented by the South West Director , Elder Ayo Aroge pledged the board's support for the initiative inline of its mandate to always promote technical and Vocational education in the country
UNICEF officer for the project in Nigeria, Babagana Aminu was full of appreciation for the college for the establishment of the Tech-Hub, promising to provide the needed technical support as one of the partners to ensure successful commencement of the training for the girls
The Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon.Bolaji Cecilia Dada pledged the readiness of the State Government to work together with YabaTech, other institutions and stakeholders to break the barriers hindering girls' education for them to achieve their full potentials and contribute to the economic growth of the State and country at large
Wife of Governor Sanwo-Olu represented by Mrs Anike Adekanye also lauded the initiative, promising to give necessary support to uplift girls education and empowerment for the rapid economic growth
High point of the event was the formal launching of Tech-Hub and inspection of the hub
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