Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, has expressed deep concern over the recent burglary at the Kano Digital Park, which resulted in the loss of approximately 150 computers and laptops. The incident, which occurred during a protest under the guise of ‘Endbadgovernance,’ has set back the progress of the park and the development of the region’s digital economy.
Speaking on a Channels TV programme, Tijani noted that the damage caused by the attack amounts to millions, if not billions, of Naira. While the Kano Digital Park was initially established under the previous administration of Muhammadu Buhari, it had yet to be fully completed. The minister explained that the facility had only recently received the last set of equipment and was scheduled to be officially launched in a matter of weeks.
Despite the setback, there is a glimmer of hope as a private company in Kano has expressed interest in renovating the vandalized facility.
Why Kano?
Reacting to social media critics who were asking why such a facility was sited in Kano, the Minister dismissed the insinuations that the State does not need digital skills, noting that there are lots of young people in Kano yearning for digital skills.
According to him, Kano has the highest number of applicants for the ongoing 3 Million Technical Training (3MTT) programme of the government.
“I’ve seen people make very ridiculous comments like why would you put a centre like that in Kano as if the young people in Kano don’t have the rights to dream, as if they don’t have the rights to be part of the digital economy.
“Kano is one of the places where we had we’ve had the highest number of applications for the 3MTT and there are a lot of young people there who want to be part of the programme, they want to acquire skills that will make them part of the global economy,” he said.
The Minister, however, noted that the vandalization of the facility would not impede the future plans for the Kano ICT Park as the Ministry is already getting support to make sure the park is renovated for your use.
