By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – IN a bid to close the gaps in access to structured digital literacy education, TechHer, in partnership with Cummins and with the support of the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), delivered a two-day Digital Literacy and Online Safety School Tour across two Junior Secondary Schools in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT: JSS Zuba and JSS Gwagwa, reaching 212 students, equipping them with practical knowledge about responsible internet use, digital rights, and online safety. 

The Communications Officer at TechHer, Jemimah Inyangudo, in a welcome remarks, explained that the tour within the organisation’s broader mission is to ensure girls have unfettered access to digital tools as their male counterparts. 

Inyangudo said, “Digital literacy is not a privilege; it is a fundamental right. Building inclusive futures for women and girls begins in classrooms like this one, with young people who are given the education, technology, and protection to see themselves as full participants in the digital economy.” 

Meanwhile, the representative from Cummins, Mr Olufemi John, reinaffirmed the company’s commitment to inclusive education, saying that, “Technology without safety education is incomplete. 

“We are proud to partner with TechHer because this programme does what the best education does: it not only informs, but also empowers. When young people, especially girls, understand that the digital space belongs to them too, they begin to imagine futures that were previously invisible.” 

The Principal of JSS Zuba, Dr Jimoh Abeyodu while welcoming the team, highlighted the urgency of preparing students for the digital age as he addressed the students and staff, and said, “The digital landscape is evolving rapidly, and our students must be equipped not only to navigate it, but to do so safely and purposefully.” 

He also commended the partnership, noting that such collaborations are essential to closing the gap between classroom instruction and the demands of the digital world. 

The digital literacy session, led by Ugochi Ihe, TechHer’s Digital Literacy and Education Officer, challenged students to see the internet not only as a place for entertainment but as a platform for learning, creativity, and opportunity. 

“Digital literacy is not just about knowing how to use a device,” and she added that, “It is about understanding how technology can help you create opportunities for yourself and your community.” 

Complementing this session, Gbemi Adebowale, Women’s Digital Rights and Safety Officer at TechHer, led the online safety module. Students learned how to recognise harmful online behaviour, protect personal information, understand consent in digital spaces, and respond to cyberbullying. 

“Staying safe online is not about avoiding the internet,” Adebowale told the students, and also explained that, “It is about owning your presence in it. Your digital rights are real, and every time you go online, you have the power to protect yourself and those around you.” 

The students also participated in practical activities that encouraged them to identify red flags in online interactions, assess the credibility of digital content, and reflect on how everyday online behaviour can shape future opportunities. 

Meanwhile, on the second day at JSS Gwagwa, where the school’s Principal, Ms Janet Olobashola, welcomed the initiative, emphasised that it is educators’ responsibility to prepare students for the digital world. 

“The digital world is no longer something our students will encounter in the future. It is the reality they live in today,” she said. “As educators, we must ensure they are not just users of technology, but informed, safe, and responsible digital citizens”, Olobashola stated. 

Across both schools, student reflections underscored the impact of the sessions. One student noted, “I didn’t realise how quickly small mistakes online could become big problems. Now I know how to pause and think before I post.” Another reflected, “Protecting myself online also means protecting my friends.” 

As part of the programme, students received updated editions of TechHer’s digital safety toolkits for children and parents, designed with engaging content, games, and guided reflections to help families continue conversations about online safety at home. TechHer also donated copies of the toolkits and additional learning materials to the libraries and classrooms of both schools, ensuring the resources remain accessible to future students. 

Delivering his closing remarks, Head of Programmes, TechHer, Peter Akinnusi, said, “Over the past two days, we have seen 212 young people move from curiosity to confidence.

 “Every student who now understands their digital rights, who can recognise an online threat, or who sees technology as a pathway to their future represents progress toward a more inclusive digital society. 

“TechHer will continue to bring this programme to schools across Nigeria, because the inclusive future we are building must reach every classroom and every young person who deserves to participate fully in the digital economy.”