Kano state government has purchased and distributed over 3,500 computers to tertiary institutions in the state, as part of efforts to build IT capacity among youth, the state governor, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, has announced.
The governor made this known during the opening of this year’s Nigeria Digital Innovation Conference taking place at Bayero University, Kano, organized by Center for Cyber Awareness and Development, CECAD in conjunction with the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC.
Governor Ganduje said that the move was aimed at not only encouraging students to be computer literate but part of broad initiatives to leverage on the ICT sector to fast track economic development.
He pledged that “the state government would continue to partner with all relevant agencies within and outside the state to support digital innovation by students”.
To enhance efficient and transparent governance, he mentioned that his administration institutionalized biometric registration of all civil servants and revolutionized its revenue generation machinery, asserting that so doing will enable the state government attain its developmental goals.
The Minister of Communications, Barr. Abdurraheem Abebayo Shittu stated that his ministry was committed to providing an enabling environment for Nigerians, especially youths to excel in digital innovation.
He also promised that his Ministry will support Kano state government in promoting e-governance as well as in maximizing digital opportunities for the people.
The Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Professor Umar G. Dambatta, who dwelt on the 8 – point agenda of the commission noted that it will facilitate broadband penetration, centered on competition and inclusive ICT growth.
He, therefore, urged the Kano state government to support efforts by his agency by expanding broad band spectrum infrastructure mainly in rural parts of the state, to promote economic and related development activities in the country.
Highlights of the occasion, whose theme is “Building a new Nigeria in a digital economy”, include presentation of an award to Governor Ganduje for “Adoption of ICT for Efficiency in Governance”, a statement by DG Media and Communications, Salihu Tanko Yakasai, quoted the Governor as saying.
