Yaba College of Technology (YabaTech), in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF), has launched an Information Communication Technology (ICT) Hub to empower 5,250 girls in Lagos State with the education and digital skills needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital world. The launch, held on Thursday, marks a significant milestone under the Girls’ Education and Skills Partnership (GESP) Programme.
The Rector of YabaTech, Dr. (Engr.) Ibraheem Abdul, highlighted the importance of the initiative, emphasizing that investing in girls’ education is an investment in the future of families, communities, and the nation. “Educated women tend to make healthier choices for themselves and their families, contribute to economic growth, and uplift their communities,” he stated.
Dr. Abdul also called for collective efforts to break barriers to girls’ education, including socio-economic disparities, cultural norms, and inadequate resources. “This programme addresses these challenges head-on by creating a supportive and inclusive environment where girls can thrive academically and personally,” he added.
The GESP Programme aims to equip girls with essential life skills, technical training, and leadership opportunities. Dr. Abdul explained that the initiative includes capacity development for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, focusing on gender-responsive pedagogies to enhance market-relevant skills for adolescent girls and young women.
“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,” he revealed.
The programme is designed to empower girls to enter ICT-related businesses, enabling them to attain more secure livelihoods.
Dr. Abdul expressed confidence in the potential of young women, describing them as the future of the country, and called for the collective effort of educators, industry leaders, and community members to create a society where every girl has an equal opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
The Project Coordinator, Dr. Funmilayo Doherty, stressed the need to address the lack of practical and industry-relevant skills among female students, which contributes to high unemployment rates and hinders the nation’s economic growth.
“The GESP programme 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,” she assured.
Registration for the ICT training has commenced, with over 700 girls already enrolled. The training is scheduled to begin in October.
Dr. Doherty also mentioned that trainers, including teachers, instructors, and master craftspeople, would be equipped with the necessary tools to create inclusive and supportive learning environments.
The Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Dr. Idris Bugaje, represented by South West Director, Elder Ayo Aroge, pledged the board’s support for the initiative in line with its mandate to promote technical and vocational education in the country.
UNICEF’s Nigeria project officer, Babagana Aminu, expressed appreciation for YabaTech’s efforts and promised to provide the necessary technical support to ensure the successful commencement of the training.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, reiterated the state government’s commitment to working with YabaTech and other stakeholders to break the barriers hindering girls’ education and enable them to achieve their full potential.
The event also featured the formal launch and inspection of the Tech-Hub, with several dignitaries, including the wife of the Governor of Lagos State, represented by Mrs. Anike Adekanye, who praised the initiative and promised support to uplift girls’ education and empowerment for rapid economic growth.
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