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The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has urged policymakers to leverage the unique resources and strengths of their states to drive economic growth and prosperity. He made this call during a capacity-building workshop held at FutureMap Academy in Hadejia, Jigawa State. The event, themed “AI for Office Productivity, Design Thinking, Agriculture, Health, Education, Energy, and Climate Change,” brought together academics, professionals, startup founders, students, government officials, and representatives from non-governmental organizations.
Inuwa highlighted the importance of identifying and harnessing local assets to foster development. Citing Jigawa’s wealth of computer science graduates, he emphasized that with the right training and opportunities, these individuals could significantly contribute to the state’s progress. Sharing his personal journey into computer science and digital transformation, Inuwa underscored the role of mentorship in inspiring the next generation of technology leaders.
He stressed the need for policies that equip young people with skills for remote work, citing success stories of Nigerians who transitioned to high-paying global roles. Inuwa advocated for integrating technology into sectors like agriculture to create diverse job opportunities and improve service delivery through innovation.
“Technology-driven solutions can transform lives by increasing productivity and enabling remote work opportunities,” he said. He pointed to the operational efficiency gained through digital transformation at NITDA, where artificial intelligence (AI) is employed to streamline processes and handle complex tasks. Inuwa also discussed how AI and digital tools could enhance government services like land and birth certificate registration, reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks for citizens.
Using companies like Uber and Airbnb as examples, Inuwa illustrated how technology disrupts traditional systems and improves efficiency. He encouraged participants to adopt strategic mindsets and begin small changes in their workflows, emphasizing that effective service delivery starts with individual commitment and grows into collective action.
In a goodwill message, Huawei reaffirmed its dedication to Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda, particularly in Northern Nigeria. Speaking virtually, Dr. Nihinlola Mary Fafore, Huawei’s representative, highlighted the company’s efforts to bridge the digital divide, foster innovation, and boost employability among young Nigerians.
“Huawei aims to empower individuals and communities with digital skills, ensuring no region is left behind in technological advancement,” Fafore said.
Dr. Rislan Abdulazeez Kanya, Technical Adviser to the Governor of Jigawa State on ICT and Digital Economy, echoed this sentiment. He emphasized the importance of strategic policies in unlocking the potential of local human capital and fostering innovation, positioning Jigawa as a hub for tech-driven development.
The workshop’s attendees, including representatives from various sectors, called for a collective effort to create a technologically advanced and efficient work environment in Jigawa. Continuous learning and self-improvement were also emphasized as vital in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Organized by the FutureMap Foundation in collaboration with NITDA, Jigawa State, Huawei, Cosmopolitan University, and the Open School Initiative, the workshop underscored the importance of partnerships in advancing digital skills and innovation.
FutureMap Foundation, which owns the physical training facility FutureMap Academy in Jigawa State, is committed to promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Through collaborations with public and private organizations, the foundation provides programs in deep tech, digital job creation, and skills acquisition, ensuring that young Nigerians are prepared for the demands of the digital economy.
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