The Nigerian government began an innovative programme to empower Northern Nigerian women by giving them access to beginner-level Hausa-language Artificial Intelligence (AI) learning videos.
This innovative programme plans to close the gender gap and achieve gender equality in the area by providing women with advanced AI capabilities that will better their lives, improve their earning potential, and advance the nation’s technical advancements.
These programmes remove barriers to tech education and employment while emphasising how vital AI skills are to promoting innovation and prosperity. They contribute to economic development and technological advancement by laying the foundation for a flourishing tech centre.
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The Kaduna State Government launched the AI for Beginners Learning Video Series on April 30 with Google and Data Science Nigeria. The programme, which is taught in Hausa, aims to increase the accessibility of AI education in Northern Nigeria by making technology accessible to and relevant to the local women’s society.
Recently, the state’s commitment to embracing digital transformation and promoting economic growth was strengthened by Governor Uba Sani, who placed a particular focus on giving women access to artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. This project aims to promote economic growth and creativity across the region. ‘Artificial intelligence is not only a prospect; it’s revolutionising our world now,’ said Governor Sani. We are strengthening Kaduna’s standing as a leading technological centre and creating the foundation for a more prosperous and innovative Northern Nigeria by providing AI training to our people, particularly women. The region’s economic and social development is anticipated to be significantly impacted by this dedication to equipping women with artificial intelligence (AI), opening the door to a more promising future.
Overcoming barriers and addressing the gender gap in tech education
Language barriers and sociocultural complexity are only two of the many obstacles that Northern Nigeria faces when it comes to tech education and job opportunities. As per the 2022 report by Unicef on Education Opportunities for Out-of-School Children (OOSC), more than half of the children in Nigeria who do not attend school are girls, and one-third of them live in the Northeast and Northwest. Given that these skills are essential for digital advancement, this situation emphasises how urgent it is for women in Northern Nigeria to receive better education and develop their technological skills.
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The initiative promotes women’s participation in the tech sector by making digital concepts easier to understand through relevant images and animations. The educational series may be seen in classrooms across Kaduna State, Nigeria, and on websites like YouTube.
This innovative programme is a significant step towards equipping women in Northern Nigeria with the digital skills they need, which will encourage economic expansion, technological advancement, and social advancement in the area. The program’s ability to close the digital gap and equip women with advanced knowledge in data science, artificial intelligence, and other innovative fields will open up new doors for women in leadership, employment, and business. Women in Northern Nigeria will, therefore, be more prepared to drive innovation, take part in the quickly changing digital economy, and support the sustainable development of the area. This project has the potential to have a helpful knock-on effect, encouraging women in the next generation to work in technology and have an active role in determining the technological future of the area.