Kaduna Govt, Google To Train 5,000 Women In Tech

The Kaduna State Government has indicated its readiness to train 5,000 women and girls in collaboration with Google on data science, artificial intelligence and entrepreneurial application of digital technologies.

Google’s Director for West Africa, Olumide Balogun disclosed on Tuesday that the partnership would be a significant move towards promoting technology inclusivity.

Balogun hinted that the initiative is part of a broader skills development programme supported by Google.org. that aims to empower 20,000 more women and young people across Nigeria.

He disclosed that the women and girls would be empowered with 21st century skills, thereby positioning the trainees for opportunities in the digital and creative industries.

The director noted that the future of technology in Nigeria hinges on tapping into the potential of every individual, irrespective of gender, adding that partnering with Kaduna state is a testament of its unwavering belief in the transformative power of women in tech.

‘’Through the support of Google.org, we are dedicated to fostering a more inclusive digital landscape by ensuring that every trained woman becomes a beacon of change in the tech world.

‘’The collaboration is a clear indication of both parties’ commitment to driving inclusion in the tech industry and ultimately supporting improved economic livelihoods through the digital economy in Nigeria, "he added. 

Kaduna State Governor, Mr Uba Sani hinted that inclusion in technology is not just about social equity; but also includes economic progress.

Sani stated that by empowering Kaduna women with digital skills, the state is not only breaking gender barriers but also setting the stage for significant economic growth.

‘’This partnership with Google underscores our commitment to harnessing the vast potential of our women for the socio-economic transformation of Kaduna State and Nigeria at large.

‘’The Kaduna State Government has consistently emphasised the importance of leveraging technology to drive economic growth, central to this vision is the inclusion of women in the tech space.

‘’By providing focused technology training and ensuring accessibility, the state aims to empower this demographic, recognising their potential to be significant contributors to the digital economy and the broader socio-economic landscape,’’ he said.

The governor said that the programme would be executed by Data Science Nigeria that would lead to the setting up of Arewa Tech4Ladies.

He informed that the initiative was crafted to serve four key semi-urban and rural communities in Kaduna state by offering specialised women-focused learning, mentoring and job placement support facilities.