Mohammed Tajo Othman, Kano State Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovation, said on Monday that the state government has earmarked N4 billion for technical developments in the state to enhance digital literacy and prevent rural-urban migration.
Othman stated this to reporters immediately after opening the 11th meeting of the National Council on Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy in Kano.
The Commissioner added that the state government intends to improve internet and technology access in rural communities.
He further stated that efforts were underway to create Computer-Based Testing (CBT) facilities in each of the 44 local government areas (LGAs), as well as to reactivate mobile vans around the state to instruct secondary school pupils in computer usage and computer-based examination methodologies.
According to the Commissioner:
“We are forging ahead. We have a data centre that will act as our central hub. Looking ahead, we plan to migrate most of our Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to cloud computing as we implement e-government in the shortest possible time.
“To reduce rural-urban migration, we intend to establish a strong technological presence in emerging cities like Wudil, Bichi, Gaya, Danbatta, Rano, Tudun Wada, and Dankade, not just Kano. Providing these facilities in these areas will ensure that residents don’t need to travel to Kano for every internet-related task. And so, establishing internet hubs in these localities will greatly help.
“This year, with an allocation of about N4 billion, we anticipate additional support from various sources. We plan to pilot the project this year and expand it across different LGAs next year.
“Considering the shift towards computer-based examinations for secondary students, many of whom are unfamiliar with computers, we will reactivate mobile vans to provide necessary training in schools. We also aim to establish pilot CBT centres in each LGA, with plans for further expansion.
“We are integrating computer lessons into adult education programs, reviving Kano’s leading position in this sector. This initiative aims to enhance computer literacy across all age groups, embracing the trend of inclusivity.
“The Governor is up and doing. And our budget this year is quite improved. Before now, the budget is so lean and a lot of it not accessed. This time around, we are going to access 100 per cent or even more.”
cc: Vanguard Ng
