The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has donated high-specification HP OmniBook laptops to the National Association of Women in Colleges of Education (WICE) and enrolled 1,135 members in digital literacy courses to strengthen technology adoption in teacher education.

The initiative includes online training through the NITDA-Cisco Networking Academy platform and an in-person masterclass covering productivity tools, cybersecurity and generative artificial intelligence (AI).

NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, announced the interventions at WICE’s 30th Annual National Conference, themed “Dual Mandate: Global Impact; Reimagining Teacher Education for Sustainable Development.”

He said the laptops would help WICE leaders and members improve documentation, information management, communication, coordination and collaboration. The additional masterclass is expected to provide practical skills for boosting workplace productivity and encouraging responsible technology use.

According to Inuwa, the initiative supports the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF) 2023, which targets 70 per cent digital literacy by 2027 and 95 per cent by 2030. It also aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and its drive to build an inclusive, digitally skilled population.

Inuwa reaffirmed NITDA’s commitment to working with WICE, noting that access to digital tools and relevant technology skills could help women educators improve teaching and learning while contributing to a future-ready workforce.

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, also addressed the conference, highlighting the role of Colleges of Education in widening access to higher education, strengthening teacher preparation and equipping graduates to tackle emerging national and global challenges.

The governor called for sustained investment in educational infrastructure, research, digital learning, staff development and institutional capacity. He said teacher education must adapt to technological advances, artificial intelligence and evolving labour market demands.

He acknowledged women’s contributions to educational development but identified persistent barriers, including limited leadership opportunities, inadequate funding for professional development and insufficient access to digital resources.

Yusuf also advocated stronger partnerships between Colleges of Education and schools to ensure teacher training programmes remain relevant to learners’ needs and wider societal expectations.

WICE National President, Dr Magdaline Bisong, described the conference as an opportunity for professional renewal, knowledge sharing, networking and strategic collaboration.

She said discussions centred on advancing teacher education for sustainable development while strengthening members’ personal and professional capacities.

Bisong reaffirmed WICE’s commitment to developing women educators’ skills, expanding professional networks and promoting collaboration to improve educational outcomes and support national development.

Source: MSME Africa Online