…Advocates Policy Support for Grassroots Connectivity
By Mustapha Salisu
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) on Friday held the graduation ceremony for the fifth batch of its School of Community Networks at its Kano Office, reaffirming its commitment to promoting digital inclusion and bridging connectivity gaps across underserved and unserved communities in Nigeria.
Speaking during the event, Haruna Adamu Hadeja, the Coordinator of the Community Network Project and the Nigerian School of Community Networks, said the training was designed to equip participants with essential skills for community engagement and digital empowerment.
He explained that the school brings together learners from different communities to gain practical knowledge on how to bridge connectivity gaps through locally driven solutions.
“Until and unless the community realizes that they deserve a local solution to bridge this connectivity gap, progress will be limited,” Hadeja said, emphasizing that communities, service providers, regulators such as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and NITDA, as well as government institutions, must all play a role in achieving digital inclusion.
Hadeja added that the program focuses on advocacy, resource mobilization, and sustainability key components for developing community networks in underserved and unserved areas.
He noted that the initiative has already recorded successes in communities such as Dikwa and Tungan Ashere in the FCT, Itas and Jama’are in Bauchi State, Hanafari in Jama’are Local Government, Mbaya, and other areas in Port Harcourt, where CITAD has directly deployed community networks.
“These interventions have helped people who previously had no ICT skills overcome technophobia and learn basic digital literacy, including how to use and write computer-based tests,” he added.
In his remarks, Yunusa Zakari Yau, the Executive Director of CITAD, noted that the School of Community Networks has been running for five years, producing skilled individuals capable of designing and deploying community network infrastructure in areas lacking connectivity.
“The purpose of this school is to produce people who can deploy communication infrastructure that meets the needs of their communities without waiting for commercial providers like MTN or GLO,” Yau said.
“We know that big telecom companies will not invest in poor communities because they see no profit. That’s why community networks are crucial.”
He further disclosed that CITAD has been engaging with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to develop a national policy framework on community networks, a policy already in place in countries such as Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, and Ghana.
According to Yau, “The fact that the NCC is supporting this process means it is becoming fully committed to the need for community networks. Beyond building the skills of participants, this initiative also raises awareness about the importance of having a policy that empowers communities to build their own communication infrastructure.”
Aisha Abubakar Labaran who spoke on behalf of other graduates As the program came to an end, the participant expressed joy, gratitude, and a strong sense of accomplishment.
The experience, they noted, had been impactful, providing valuable knowledge, new skills, and meaningful connections.
They highlighted lessons learned in community networking, telecommunications, and artificial intelligence, skills they intend to apply for the benefit of their community. The participant also appreciated the organizers for empowering them and providing the tools to grow.