Borno State Establishes 22 Digital Literacy Centres to Boost Technological Advancement
The Borno State Government has set up 22 Digital Literacy Centres across various local government areas (LGAs) as part of its drive for digital transformation and youth empowerment through technology-driven skills acquisition.
The Executive Secretary of the Borno State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (BICTDA), Engr. Kabir Wanori, disclosed this on Sunday in Maiduguri, highlighting the state’s commitment to bridging the digital divide.
14 Centres Fully Equipped, 8 Nearing Completion
According to Engr. Wanori, 14 out of the 22 centres are fully equipped, while the remaining eight are nearing completion. These centres provide free access to 100-unit computers, internet facilities, and structured training programmes tailored for underserved communities in urban and rural areas, as well as local government staff.
“The Government of Borno State, under the able and dynamic leadership of Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has established these centres through this agency. The goal is to provide free access to digital education and empower people with skills that will drive economic growth and innovation,” Wanori stated.
Nearly 4,000 Beneficiaries Trained in Digital Skills
Since its inception, the BICTDA digital skills programmes have benefited nearly 4,000 people, including:
- 2,000 individuals trained in-person,
- 150+ people who have completed online courses through partnerships with global tech leaders.
Engr. Wanori described these achievements as a testament to Governor Zulum’s vision of leveraging technology for governance, economic development, and quality of life improvements. The initiative aligns with the governor’s 25-year strategic plan and 10-pack agenda, which prioritize human capital development through digital transformation.
Strategic Partnerships for Global-Standard Training
To ensure high-quality digital education, the BICTDA has formed partnerships with:
✅ Google (via Midthe Gap Foundation)
✅ Cisco (via International Organization for Migration – IOM)
✅ National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)
Through these collaborations, Borno State has integrated globally recognized digital literacy curricula into its training programmes. Notably, the adoption of NITDA’s ‘Digital Literacy for All’ (DL4All) programme has helped expand ICT access to women, host communities, and rural populations.
Statewide Cybersecurity Awareness Campaigns
As part of its broader digital literacy efforts, BICTDA has also conducted statewide campaigns on cybersecurity and cybercrime. These initiatives have educated citizens on:
🔹 Cyber threats
🔹 Safe online practices
🔹 Reporting mechanisms for cyber incidents
According to Engr. Wanori, these campaigns have significantly reduced vulnerability to scams and data breaches, fostering greater trust in digital technology among Borno residents.
Looking Ahead: More Digital Innovations in Borno
With the continued expansion of digital literacy centres and advanced IT training, Borno State is positioning itself as a leader in digital transformation in Nigeria. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering youth with modern skills, ensuring economic prosperity and technological advancement in the state.
