The Vice Chancellor, Federal University Lokoja, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi has called on Government at all levels, employers of labour and international organizations to empower Women in the Civil Service on computer and internet skills to combat internet fraud and other sharp practices in the Country
Akinwumi, a Professor of history made the call on Monday in Lokoja at the opening ceremony of a three day training Workshop on EmpowerNet:Secure-Connect-Strive for Kogi Women in Civil Service organized by US Exchange Alumni Kogi Chapter.
The University Don stated that the training workshop is coming at a very auspicious time given the dynamics of today’s digital and competitive age.
He emphasized that, computer literacy is not just a skill; but a gateway to economic independence, professional growth, and social empowerment.
Akinwumi noted that, equipping women with the tools and knowledge to navigate the digital landscape, the barriers that have historically limited their participation in the workforce will be dismantled.
“Computer competency can further help in transcending traditional gender boundaries or biases; enhance the women’s individual capabilities, and enable them to contribute meaningfully in diverse fields,” he added.
The University Don explained further that, through programmes such as this, Nigeria will be participating in building a more equitable future where opportunities and successes are determined by merit rather than gender.
He said “It is hoped that this training workshop will further your capacities and empower you to unlock your full potentials in your homes, work places and the world at large”
While emphacizing on employers of Labour to improve the welfare of Women in the Civil Service, the Federal University Lokoja Vice Chancellor maintained that, this should be done urgently in view of the harsh economic reality in Nigeria.
This according to him, will help to address some critical needs in the family adding that, Women are nation builders who should always be treated nicely looking at their numerous contributions to family, society and national development.
Earlier in his remarks, the Kogi Chapter Chairman, US Exchange Alumni Prof. Joseph Abel said the training is aimed at equipping participants with practical knowledge on the use of computer, information management, fraud prevention and email communication for Women civil servants drawn from different ministries and agencies, including the Civil Defence.
The Lead Facilitator and Director of Federal University Lokoja ICT Centre, Mr. Peter Akin Tokunbo explained that although, some of the women already have the knowledge of the use of computer, the training will help them to use the computer and the internet safely.
On his part, an Alumni of United States, Exchange Alumni who doubles as a visitor Leadership programme of the organization stressed the need for all stakeholders, to collectively work in protecting Women in Nigeria from internet fraudsters.
Her words “Looking at the gap created already in the space of the use of internet, we discovered that large amount of women don’t actually know how to navigate the internet communication and that usually affect us generally during promotion as civil servants.
“We are moving towards computer based examinations. We discovered that, alot of our Women are lacking behind. To ensure we enhance their productivity, the US Alumni association, Kogi State branch decided to bring this numbers of Women so that, we can amplify their voices, empower them with skills, knowledge and all they need to build their confidence and communicate better on the internet as well protect themselves from being taken unaware by fraudsters on the internet”.
It was gathered that, the US Exchange Alumni is one of several U.S. Government sponsored exchange programme where participants across the world are committed to impacting and advancing their communities and the world at large.
