By Abdullahi Ismai’l Abdu75ya@hoo.com

The Centre for Information Technology and Development, (CITAD), has conducted its monthly discussion forum on Information Communication Technology for Civil Society Organization in Kano. The forum titled; the role of Information Communication Technology in Achieving Universal Primary Education that is based on the Millennium Development goals Modalities took place at the American corner, Murtala Muhammad Library complex, Kano, on Wednesday, April 09, 2008.

A paper presented by Prof. U.G.Danbatta, the Director of Centre for Information Technology, (CIT) Bayero University Kano, at the occasion described how Information Communication Technology has became an important and essential part of very nation’s social infrastructure. According to the Professor, ‘there are four major channels in which Information Communication Technology can contribute to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. He added that, ‘increase in efficiency of social services delivery and rise in economic productivity, creation of new jobs and entrepreneur opportunities are the fore most contribution the Information Communication Technology can provide for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.’ U.G. Danbata further said that, ‘in a third world countries like Nigeria, Information Communication Technology can be used to Empower Women and communities that are isolated   by virtue of their geographical remoteness or other factors. And at the same time, Information Communication Technology can be used to facilitate monitoring of public expenditure and support political empowerment.’

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Miss Oge Okeye, the National Endowment for Democracy, (NED)’s Assistance Program Officer for Africa, paid an official visit to Centre for Information Technology and Development, (CITAD), on 3rd- April-2008. Miss. Oge had a meeting with the Executive Director, CITAD, Y.Z. Ya’u as and other officers of the centre.

Issues discussed at the meeting involved; CITAD activities in promoting political awareness especially in Jigawa State, women participation in politics, CITAD’s contribution to the development political participation, it’s execution of NED program, accountability among others.

With regard to promoting political participation, the Executive Director, Y.Z. Ya’u unveiled that CITAD has formed a political sensitization team, which actively participated in creating political awareness through holding comprehensive discussions and lectures with the mass populace of Jigawa State. “Through activities like these,” according to Y.Z. Ya’u, “there has been a large turn out of voters in Jigawa State especially in contrast to with previous elections.” Further, the Director informed Miss Oge that due to the positive impact of CITAD’s team in eradicating political apathy in Jigawa State, the government in the plan to replicate the same so as to reinforce CITAD’s effort and create a democratically advantaged populace in Jigawa State.

On the gender issue and women political participation, Mrs. Fatima informed the NED’s Assistant Program Officer for Africa that in Jigawa State there is still the problem of inadequate political participation of women in politics. She added that CITAD has been trying very hard to ensure that women come out and cast their votes. Says Mrs. Fatima:

“We have been going to every nock and corner in Jigawa State, reaching out to women, educating and sensitizing them on the dividends of democracy and the important role they can play especially with their large population. Culture in this part of Nigeria does not promote women mixing freely with men, but with more sensitizations, people are now understanding the responsibilities tied around their neck, and so in the recent time there is improvement in the number of women who come out to cast their vote. The effort of CBO’s like CITAD contributed a lot.”

Miss Oge Okeye, went around the various CITAD’s units and saw their activities with satisfaction.

The employability programme began in Kano 5th May 15, 2008 with 124 trainees. Who have satisfactory attended the five –days work-shop organized by the LEAP Africa, and delivered at the Auditorium Hall, School of Technology Kano.

The training which is to be provided by the Centre for Information Technology (CITAD) has been categorized into three: The first category is for the trainees who are totally not computer literate, and therefore, must under go a basic certificate in Information Technology (CIT) in this category there are one hundred (100) who are currently undergoing the CIT programme. To ensure the successful conduction of the CIT, CITAD has divided the 100 trainees in to four groups of 25 trainees each. Group “A” is the morning session starting from 9-11am, Group “B” is the afternoon session beginning from 2-4pm, Group “C” is also an afternoon session starting from 11-01pm, while Group “D” is the last, beginning from 2-4pm  every Monday to Thursday respectively.

The  next category for the trainees who are already computer literate but wishes to extend their knowledge.Centre for Information Technology and Development has identified 24 trainees who satisfactory been place either in Diploma Information (DIT) or Diploma in (DCMR). Out of these 24 trainees 14 are currently undergoing the DIT programme while the remaining 12 are receiving the DCMR training. Like the CIT trainees, the DIT and DCMR trainees, receive their training four days a week (mon-thursdays). The morning session begun between 9-11am and is for the DIT trainees while the evening session beginning from 4-6pm is for the DCMR trainees.

The aim of this is to promote the achievement of universal computer literacy in the country. To this end, it provides free computer training to a variety of groups, especially those that are not in a position to acquire these skills either through public institutions or from private institutions.

Target groups for training under this include members of community-based organizations (CBOs), NGOs, Women Groups, children, workers and people under special care.