50 Lagos Teens Get Cybersecurity Skills Boost

Fifty secondary school students in Lagos have begun an intensive 10-week programme aimed at giving them the tools to thrive in today’s digital world.

The training, organised by Cybernova Limited in partnership with the Rotary Club of Lagos, will cover cyber hygiene, ethical hacking, online safety, data privacy, and career pathways in technology. President of the Rotary Club of Lagos, Toki Mabogunje, said the initiative was created to protect young people and prepare them for the future.

“Today, we are in the digital era, and the digital era is fraught with danger, especially with misinformation. Some of the most vulnerable groups of people are the young people,” she explained. “We aimed to achieve three things: enable students to live in a safer digital world, prepare them for future careers, and empower them to be change agents in their communities.”

Growing Threats, Growing Opportunities

Mabogunje pointed to cyberattacks in Nigeria’s financial sector as an urgent reason to train more young people. She urged wider investment in digital education to ensure the country has enough skilled professionals.

Chief Executive Officer of Cybernova Limited, Kazeem Durodoye, said the project was designed to help Nigerian youth use their talent positively. “Nigeria has a youth population that is worthy to be proud of, but we also have an image issue to deal with. Cybersecurity professionals are in short demand all over the world, including Nigeria,” he said.

He added that students would learn to protect themselves online and explore legitimate career opportunities. “One challenge we need to deal with as a country is enabling schools to have the necessary infrastructure. One way forward is to have model centres in each state or local government where students can experience the practical aspects,” he explained.

Students Face Hurdles

While students welcomed the programme, many also noted challenges. Njoli Gabriel of Lafiaji Senior High School said his biggest obstacle was not having a laptop. Akolade Oluwadamilola of Methodist Girls’ High School, Yaba, highlighted the lack of reliable internet as a barrier to her aspirations.

University of Lagos law student Dele-Olori Omojolarin saw a chance to merge legal practice with technology. “Law is a dynamic profession that spans all professions. When you have the right skills and technology, the world is yours,” she said.Durodoye encouraged the students to look at global tech leaders for inspiration. “Look at Jensen Huang of Nvidia, who is worth more than the GDP of several African countries. These are examples of how technology can change lives and nations,” he told them.