There is more to the digital divide in Nigeria than simply a lack of technology. It is very personal; take a visit to any rural area in Nigeria, where children are grouped around a single mobile phone hoping to watch a short clip, some educational material, or do research for homework, and you will see that a lot of tech opportunities are inaccessible to these rural kids; when you see the huge disparity between what a child could potentially be and where they currently rest, this gap has already begun for children well before they have an opportunity to participate in ICT educational opportunities in Nigeria.
I have met numerous children who have a great desire to become great but do not have the necessary technological tools to pursue their dreams. Perhaps you have, too. This includes children who want to develop a simple video game but have never used a computer before. There are children who hear about coding, robotics, or other technical careers and assume that these types of careers are reserved solely for children living in urban areas. The consequences of rural technology access are evident every day and affect real lives.
Why Tech Opportunities are Inaccessible to Rural Kids
Challenges abound in many rural communities to prevent them from being exposed to digital devices, and even though some appear to be relatively easy to address, the compilation of issues that prevent access to each component adds up quickly.
Everyday challenges
- Limited or unreliable electricity
- Poor internet connection
- High cost of data
- Few trained ICT teachers
- Schools with no computer labs
- Parents who cannot afford digital devices
Because of these various issues, the learning chain is broken at multiple points, resulting in children who continue to grow older without ever learning the basics of digital technology. I recall talking to a boy from a small village who had only seen a computer once, when visiting his cousin‘s home. He told me he wished his school could have “at least one system“ so he could practise his typing skills. While this is a small wish, it is reflective of how far behind some children start in terms of digital literacy.
Bridging the ICT Digital Divide
We are all aware of the rapid change of technology and how it affects our daily lives. Skills needed to do the jobs of today are only attainable by having access to technology prior to starting work; therefore, rural children must overcome an additional hurdle to obtain these abilities before applying for employment as a result of the digital divide resulting in Nigeria and continuing to widen each time these skills remain unattainable.
Major Achilles heel
- Basic computer knowledge
- Online research
- Coding, computer language and problem-solving
- Digital communication knowledge
- Access to educational platforms
- Literacy in online safety
These skills build a child’s confidence and future choices. When they are missing, the child is forced to play catch-up for years.
Influence on Future Growth
When rural children do not have access to the tools of technology, there are numerous ways in which their development is hindered that are not measurable until much later down the road. For example, it will be harder for them to meet the demands of university and higher education programmes. They will likely struggle with technology–based assignment requirements or the online application process when searching for employment. They will likely feel overwhelmed by the challenges posed by a lack of technology access.
Additionally, there are negative consequences to the social aspect of life through technology access. Technology provides children with a platform to express themselves, acquire new skills, and seek assistance. If they have no access to technology, they will not only be lacking in terms of their academic development; they will also be unable to develop their self–confidence.
Practical Ways to Improve ICT Access for Rural Kids
So, what can we do to assist? Making changes to inform rural children that digital learning is part of their daily lives does not necessarily require a large budget. The solution may be to take simple steps to incorporate digital learning into daily life at school.
Initiatives that make a real difference
- Solar-powered computer labs
- Cheap tablets for classrooms
- Local study centers with shared devices
- Collaborations with local tech units
- Digital training for schoolteachers
- Offline learning opportunities for areas with weak internet
- Teenage clubs that target tech basics
While these initial steps may seem insignificant, they do offer rural kids opportunities to the tech that was initially inaccessible to them to view technology and digital skills–based learning as achievable goals rather than something out of reach or reserved for others.
Widening the Opportunities for Our Kids
Every child in Nigeria has the right to seek out opportunities through technology. Witnessing how rural children become curious once they have access to computers and seeing their brains become open to possibilities that previously were not there is truly a joy.
With some sustained, basic activity from many individuals and communities, we can begin to bridge the digital divide that Nigeria currently experiences. You can do your part to enhance technology access in Nigeria either by supporting local programmes, sharing your expertise to educate others, or simply volunteering your time.
Technology and ICT for all Nigerian children, including children living in rural areas, is an option; it is not a privilege. Accessing technology will allow all Nigerian children to accomplish more in the future.
