By Zainab Faruk
More than 100 women have successfully graduated from a digital skills empowerment programme in Bauchi State, organized by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) under the leadership of the Bauchi State First Lady, Hajiya (Dr.) Aishatu Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad.
The graduation ceremony, held at the Education Resource Centre, Bauchi, celebrated the theme “Women in Digital Literacy” and took place following weeks of intensive training at the Justice Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa Community IT Centre. The center was established by NITDA and handed over to the Bauchi State Government to boost women’s access to digital education.
Delivering the keynote address, the Bauchi First Lady and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Hajiya Aishatu Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad, praised the resilience and determination of the women and described the skills they acquired as a “powerful tool” that can transform lives, businesses, and communities.
“Today is a special day. We are celebrating the success of women who have embraced digital skills to improve their lives. These skills are not just about computers — they’re about independence, empowerment, and opportunity,” she said.
The First Lady emphasized that knowing how to use the internet and digital platforms is now as essential as reading and writing in today’s world. She encouraged the graduates to:
Start small businesses online
Use mobile banking safely
Support their children’s education
Teach other women
Stay connected and keep learning
She also commended NITDA for establishing the ICT centre and named Justice Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa, Nigeria’s first female President of the Court of Appeal, as a shining example of what women can achieve when empowered.
Representing the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Muhammad Lawal Rimin Zayam, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Ali Babayo, hailed Governor Bala Mohammed for revamping the ICT centre, which he described as once uninhabitable and neglected.
“When His Excellency assumed office, this facility was in a terrible condition — worse than a poultry farm. Today, it stands tall as a modern center for digital education, thanks to his commitment and the support of the First Lady,” Dr. Babayo noted.
He encouraged stakeholders and development partners to join hands with the government in scaling up access to digital literacy, describing education as a shared responsibility.
Also speaking at the event, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Hajiya Zainab Babantakko, gave heartfelt appreciation to the First Lady, describing her as “a mother in every sense of the word,” and commended her for always opening her doors to support women.
“Your humility, passion, and tireless support for women empowerment inspire us. The women of Bauchi are truly blessed to have you as their champion,” she said.
She charged the beneficiaries to make the best use of their newly acquired knowledge and move from dependence to productivity, saying digital literacy is no longer a luxury but a necessity.
The beneficiaries, many of whom had never used a computer before, were trained in essential digital skills including digital marketing, mobile banking, safe internet practices, online business operations, and mentorship.
The event closed with the distribution of certificates and a call for expansion of such initiatives to reach more women across the state.
The message of the day was clear: Bauchi women are now equipped for the digital age — empowered, connected, and ready to make an impact.