By Samson Yaki Bako
The Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), Prof. Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, has called for the creation of a special arm of the Women in Digital Empowerment Network (WIDEN) dedicated to young girls across all tiers of education.
Professor Liman made the call at the 3rd WIDEN Workshop on AI for Sustainable Development, held at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Wednesday in Abuja.
Prof. Liman, who was represented at the event by Prof. Ngozi Nwosu, said the urgency of preparing girls for the digital future cannot be overstated, particularly as the world navigates the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
“The world is in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as Industry 4.0 or the Intelligence Age, powered by digitization,” she said. “Since digitization is the bedrock of this revolution, we must explore and expand more tools towards sustainable development.”
She stressed that sustainable development in Nigeria and beyond depends largely on how effectively women and girls are positioned within the fast-evolving digital ecosystem shaped by automation and artificial intelligence.
According to the NSUK Vice-Chancellor, early exposure to digital education is critical if girls are to compete and lead in emerging technology fields.
“There is the need to create more awareness of the existence of this network,” she said. “If need be, create an arm of it for young girls in all tiers of education. This becomes more necessary with the rise of automation and artificial intelligence.”
She noted that automation, robotics, coding and AI are rapidly redefining global labour markets, making it imperative to equip young girls with relevant technical skills from childhood.
“There is a dire need for a shift so that the young ones are equipped with the necessary skills and technical know-how,” she added.
Prof. Liman described the research work of Dr. Daniel Botchie of Brunel University London and co-investigator Prof. Rashidat Olanrewaju as “comprehensive and thorough,” applauding the intellectual depth behind the digital solutions presented.
She emphasized that innovation must go beyond academic presentations and translate into expanded access, awareness, and real-life adoption.
“We should not be tired of searching for more knowledge or widening the scope of knowledge,” she said.
The Vice-Chancellor also used the platform to appeal to the international community for increased grants, funding and scholarship opportunities targeted specifically at women in technology.
She observed that many talented young women lack the financial capacity to pursue advanced training in coding, automation, robotics and artificial intelligence.
“The international community should give more grants to more ladies in technology,” she urged. “More scholarships should be given to ladies who want to delve into these areas where resources are not readily available.”
Encouraging collaboration, sponsorship and mentorship, Prof. Liman reminded participants that inclusive growth requires collective responsibility.
“As we are growing, let us remember to carry more women along with us by encouraging and sponsoring them,” she said, invoking the TEAM philosophy: “Together Each of Us Achieves More.” She charged to the network: “WIDEN, please widen the scope, tools and products.”
The 3rd WIDEN Workshop reinforced the growing momentum behind digital empowerment initiatives for Nigerian women and underscored the strategic importance of equipping girls early to thrive in an AI-driven future.
The event, which brought together academics, researchers, innovators, and development partners to explore how artificial intelligence and digital tools can drive inclusive and sustainable growth, featured digital solution presentations by Techlad8e.