By Bashir Bello

The Kano State Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Mohammed Tajo Othman, on Monday, said the state government has allocated N4 billion for technological advancements in the state to ensure digital literacy and also reduce rural-urban migration.

Othman disclosed this while speaking with newsmen shortly after declaring open the 11th meeting of the National Council on Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy in Kano.

The Commissioner explained that the state government plans to enhance internet and technology access in rural areas.

He also added that plans were underway to establish Computer-Based Testing (CBT) centres in each of the 44 local government areas (LGAs) as well as reactivating mobile vans in the state to train secondary school students in computer usage and computer-based examination techniques.

In his words: “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,” he noted.

The Commissioner added, “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,” the Commissioner, Othman however stated.

Earlier, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bar. Margaret Ebute, highlighted the National Council meeting as a crucial platform for state ICT and Digital Economy Commissioners nationwide to discuss progress, challenges, and emerging trends in the sector, providing essential guidance for national development.