Don urges young girls to explore careers in ICT

A don, Dr. Sanah Mu’az, of the Software Engineering Department at Bayero University, Kano, has urged young girls to explore careers in Information Communication Technology (ICT).

Mu’az made the appeal at the 3rd Bauchi Feminist School (BAFIS) workshop for 30 young girls organized by the Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) on Monday in Bauchi.

She said that there was a need to encourage girls to develop their potential by tapping into the opportunities in ICT.

“I don’t want the young girls to stay at the back door, they should go forth and explore their potential in the world of information and communication technology.

“Science and technology sector is not meant for men alone. Women should endeavor to be active in the sector too, “she said.

She added that there were many benefits in ICT, which will focus on empowerment of citizens on good governance, sustainable and balanced development.

“The ICT training is an opportunity for girls and young women to see and experience technology in new light,” she said.

She said that the ICT sector is a growing sector for employment in both developed and developing countries.

“There are highly qualified women in technical fields around the world that have significant opportunities available to them,” Mu’az said.

Also speaking, Malam Kamuludeen Umar from the center said that the aim of the workshop was to create an environment that would empower and encourage girls and young women into embracing ICT.

He said that the workshop would also consider careers in the growing field of information and communication technologies (ICTs).

He said the BAFIS is an avenue formed by CITAD to build the capacity of 30 young girls on ICTs in Bauchi.

Umar advised the girls not to relent in their efforts to understand and utilize ICTs in their businesses and other purposes for self-reliance.

Responding, Mrs Khadija Hammani, one of the participants decried the shortfall of women in technology. She added that with capacity building, more women would be encouraged to take up careers ICTs.

“Many girls never even consider a career in ICTs. At the same time, many companies are planning to increase the number of women in the sector”.

She pledged to utilize the knowledge acquired during the ICT capacity building to coordinate and safeguard her business.(NAN)