New ICT Centre in Kaida Sabo Opens Doors to Digital Literacy, Others

By Julian Osamoto

For years, rural students in Kaida Sabo and neighbouring communities struggled with computer-based examinations and limited access to digital tools.

That reality is set to change with the launch of a new ICT Centre by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria.

The facility, part of CITAD’s Local Rights Programme, is the sixth ICT hub in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Beyond classrooms, it is designed to equip rural communities with digital literacy, vocational training, and entrepreneurship skills, creating pathways for education, innovation, and sustainable livelihoods.

Closing the Digital Gap

CITAD’s Programme Officer and Team Lead, Yasmin Salako Ejiwumi, said the Centre would help young people compete in today’s fast-changing digital economy.

“Everything is becoming digital. WAEC, NECO, and JAMB are now computer-based. We realised the urgent need to bridge the digital divide, especially among youth in underserved areas,” she said.

The Centre will serve Kaida Sabo and nearby communities such as Dobi and Rafin Zurfi, opening up new opportunities for education and market access.

 Education First

Former Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Hon. Yusuf Bako, stressed that the initiative addresses a long-standing educational barrier.

“Many fail WAEC, NECO, and JAMB not because they don’t know the subject, but because they cannot operate a computer. This Centre will change that,” he noted.

Skills and Markets

ActionAid Nigeria’s Head of Programmes, Celestine Odo, framed the project as part of a larger ICT for Development (ICT4D) strategy.

“Our mission is to reach rural and remote communities, bringing development presence, amplifying local voices, and linking them to government and partners,” Odo said.

The Centre is also expected to support farmers with digital platforms to market produce globally while serving as a hub for vocational and entrepreneurial training.

Unlocking Potential

Representing the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Habib Adejumo described the Centre as a milestone in digital inclusion.

“Such centres can awaken talent and ambition. Infrastructure like this can inspire the next tech giants—from future founders of global platforms to the next Bill Gates,” he said, highlighting Minister Bosun Tijani’s five-pillar digital blueprint: Knowledge, Policy, Infrastructure, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship.

Community Voices

For residents, the project is more than infrastructure, it’s an opportunity for the next generation.

The Dakachin Kaida Sabo, Yakubu Magaji, called the ICT Centre a long-awaited intervention.

“Most of our children face challenges with computer-based exams because they lack digital exposure. This Centre will improve their literacy, education, and future in business and technology,” he said, while urging the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, and other stakeholders to sustain the initiative.