Nigerian youth are set to benefit from a digital initiative designed to promote cybersecurity awareness and environmental responsibility. This effort, led by Cyber Culture Interface, aims to bridge the knowledge gap around safe internet use and responsible digital practices among Secondary School students. On October 24, Cyber Culture Interface, a visionary project by PARAC Concepts and Solutions, held a Cybersecurity and Digital Sustainability Workshop (CDSW) at Tunwase High School in Lagos, showing Nigeria’s commitment to digital Education for young Nigerians.
The CDSW event was organized to equip Nigerian students with essential cybersecurity knowledge, a skill in high demand in Nigeria, projected to grow by 8.7% per year, according to the International Information System Security Certification Consortium. The program gathered experts to provide insights into cybersecurity and digital sustainability, giving students a comprehensive view of what it means to be both secure and eco-conscious online. Through presentations, interactive sessions, and expert guidance, students explored the importance of privacy, online traces, and the environmental impact of data use, emphasizing the need for both protection and responsible engagement in the digital world.
Launch of activities to enhance learning and instill Cyber Awareness.
A key highlight of the workshop was the unveiling of the Cyber Security Club and the launch of an essay competition designed to engage students on cybersecurity and digital sustainability. The competition, which offered cash prizes for the winners, encouraged students to reflect on and explore their personal role in promoting safe, secure, and environmentally responsible digital practices. In addition, the establishment of the Cyber Security Club provided students with a space to continue learning, share ideas, and promote greater cybersecurity awareness both within their schools and the community at large.
Olalekan Ilori, Founder of Cyber Culture Interface, highlighted the crucial role of early cybersecurity education, noting that equipping young people with knowledge and awareness is key to helping them navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. “The earlier we start educating our youths on cybersecurity, the better equipped they will be to tackle the challenges of the digital world,” he said. This workshop is just one part of Cyber Culture Interface’s broader mission. The initiative aims to reach 50 schools across Nigeria within the next year, with the goal of building a network of “cybersecurity ambassadors” who will help spread awareness among the nation’s youth.
Project advocates for cybersecurity in school curriculums.
To extend its impact, the initiative is also developing a Curriculum designed to integrate cybersecurity and digital sustainability education into existing school programs. This adaptable curriculum aims to make essential cybersecurity skills accessible to students across Nigeria, regardless of their background or location, equipping them to become responsible digital citizens. This initiative aligns with a broader global push for cybersecurity education in schools, as highlighted by programs like Pitt’s GenCyber@Pitt, which trains high school teachers to bring cybersecurity knowledge to their classrooms in the U.S. This movement shows the importance of preparing students worldwide for the digital challenges of the future.
Furthermore, in its quest for meaningful change, Cyber Culture Interface is patterning with government bodies, private organizations, and local communities to create a nationwide culture of cybersecurity awareness. By collaborating with them, the program aims to ensure that cybersecurity education is accessible to all students across Nigeria, from urban centers to rural areas. As part of this effort, Cyber Culture Interface plans to establish a cybersecurity resource center, which will be equipped with advanced Technology and offer mentorship opportunities. This center will help young people gain knowledge and practical skills, enabling them to use the digital world safely and responsibly while preparing for careers in cybersecurity.
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Altogether, by combining cybersecurity education with digital sustainability awareness, Cyber Culture Interface is setting the stage for a generation of digitally literate and environmentally conscious Nigerians. As the initiative expands, it promises to shape a safer, more sustainable digital landscape for Nigeria’s future, with young people at the forefront of digital leadership. In 2023, Nigeria had only 8,352 cybersecurity experts, far fewer than South Africa’s 57,269, highlighting a significant skills gap. However, with growing efforts like those of Cyber Culture Interface, there is hope that these numbers will rise, paving the way for a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s cybersecurity sector.