By Amos Tauna
Nigeria is placed at the bottom in the knowledge and use of internet services in the world rating, Special Adviser to governor Nasiru Ahmed El-Rufai on Skill Acquisition, Rabi M. G. Abdulsalam, has observed.
She noted that with the use of networking, knowledge had become easily accessible through internet services, stressing, “It is imperative for institutions of higher learning to upgrade mode of operation to meet up with the international standards.”
Speaking on the occasion of Entrepreneurship and Information Communication Technology organised by Zamani Foundation in Kaduna, northwest Nigeria on the theme, ‘The Entrepreneur and ICT,’ she expressed regret that, “Majority of the Nigerian students especially in secondary schools are not computer literate which is quite unfortunate in the 21st century.
“It is quite unfortunate that most of the youths are not taking advantage of the social media to develop intellectually. This is given rise to social vices such as exposure to pornographic materials.
“There are sensitive information posted on Facebook without verifying the facts. We are all aware of the role played by the social media during the last election. Provocative materials were publicised especially touching on religious and political issues.
“The general public is abusing the freedom of expression to the detriment of the society. Students can take advantage of the internet to advance in knowledge developing new reading skills. Self-development and skill acquisition
are possible with the fact that knowledge can be acquired in every field of endeavour in life.
“We have open universities providing various programmes online. There are foreign institutions affiliated in running courses in Nigeria considering the fact that the Northern part of the country is backward academically.
“There is a need to emphasise on computer literacy for the betterment of the society. Network marketing and financial transaction can be done online improving on standard of living. This has drastically reduced the risk and cost of covering distances to conduct a business.
“The cashless money policy is reducing robbery to the barest minimum on a daily basis. Product advertisement online is cheaper to the marketer giving rise to the small scale industry. Shopping online is cost effective which makes mobile office flexible.
“I will like to use this opportunity to extend my deepest gratitude to Zamani Foundation that is known for philanthropist activities in changing lives.
“As a developing nation, we stand a chance of building our capacity politically, economically and socially. It is a journey that we need to start with a step which will make Nigeria to be great again.
Earlier, the founder Zamani Foundation, Mrs. Talatu P. Zamani-Henry noted that the conference would open the eyes and minds of participants to the possibilities of using technology to better their lives.
She explained that it was the goal at Zamani Foundation to see women leverage on the opportunity to develop and grow financially, technically and educationally.
She added that the foundation focused on women empowerment because according to her, when a woman is empowered, the entire society is empowered, stressing, “We are interested in the development and growth of families, and the less privileged.”