In a country where access to computers and digital literacy skills are limited, Nigerian teenagers face significant challenges when it comes to using technology. The recent news of Nigerian teens struggling with computer-based exams highlights the urgent need to bridge the digital divide and provide adequate resources to enhance computer literacy among Nigerian youth.
The story of 18-year-old Christian Asogwa serves as a poignant example of the obstacles that Nigerian students face in accessing computers and acquiring basic digital skills. Christian, like many others, had never used a desktop computer until he sat for the Nigerian university entrance exams. Consequently, he had to rely on assistance from a fellow student to navigate the computer interface.
The lack of access to computers in Nigerian schools, especially in rural areas, is a pressing issue that hampers students’ educational opportunities. Christian’s case sheds light on the fact that his state-run school in Ngwo did not possess any computers, leaving students unprepared for computer-based exams. This lack of exposure to technology not only affects their performance in exams but also limits their career prospects in an increasingly digitized world.
The consequences of this digital divide extend beyond individual students. A survey conducted by Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics revealed that while a majority of Nigerian youth aged 15 to 35 can access the internet, only about 45% possess basic word processing skills. This disparity reflects the urgent need to bridge the technology gap and equip Nigerian youth with essential digital literacy skills.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, a group of Nigerians known as the Ngwo Yellowpages has taken matters into their own hands. Understanding the long-term implications of inadequate computer literacy on crime rates and employment prospects, the group has sponsored free preparatory lessons for students like Christian, providing them with computer training and guidance for the upcoming exams.
The initiatives taken by the Ngwo Yellowpages demonstrate the crucial role that grassroots organizations can play in narrowing the digital divide. The group’s goal of revitalizing the education system in their community underlines the importance of bottom-up approaches to address the issue effectively. By employing teachers and securing a local youth center as a venue for training sessions, the group fosters a supportive environment for candidates to develop their computer skills.
The efforts of the Ngwo Yellowpages align with Nigeria’s broader objective of increasing digital literacy in the country. Nigeria’s new minister for communication, innovation, and digital economy, Bosun Tijani, has published a blueprint that aims to achieve a digital literacy rate of 70% by 2027. This blueprint emphasizes the significance of equipping schools and teachers with the necessary technological resources to enhance computer literacy among students.
However, the challenges that Nigerian schools face in providing adequate computer facilities cannot be overlooked. Many schools offer ICT as a subject, but the lack of computers remains a significant obstacle. In neighboring Ghana, a teacher resorted to using detailed chalk diagrams of a Microsoft Word screen to teach computer skills due to a similar lack of resources. Such instances emphasize the urgency of investing in computer facilities and training for teachers to ensure comprehensive computer education for students.
In the case of Nigerian teens preparing for the Jamb exams, the digital divide becomes glaringly evident. The monthly assessments conducted during the preparatory sessions revealed that a significant number of students had never touched a computer before. This knowledge gap not only affects their performance in exams but also hinders their ability to navigate the digital landscape in the future.
To bridge this divide, the Ngwo Yellowpages and other similar initiatives must continue their efforts to enhance computer literacy among Nigerian youth. The provision of free preparatory lessons and scholarships for high-performing students highlights the potential transformative impact of such grassroots initiatives. Additionally, the sharing of experiences and insights through social media platforms can inspire individuals from different regions to replicate similar projects in their communities.
In conclusion, the story of Nigerian teens struggling with computer-based exams sheds light on the digital divide prevalent in the country. Limited access to computers and a lack of digital literacy skills among Nigerian youth hinder their educational prospects and limit their employment opportunities. Grassroots initiatives like the Ngwo Yellowpages demonstrate the potential of bottom-up approaches in addressing this issue. However, the government and educational institutions must play a more active role in providing adequate computer facilities and training for teachers. Only through collective efforts can Nigeria bridge the digital divide and empower its youth with the necessary skills for a digital future.
