By MTN Nigeria has charged the Nigerian girl-child to use their interests and hobbies as catalysts into ICT careers.
Speaking at an International Girls In ICT Day event, General Manager, Information Technology, MTN Nigeria, Bukola Ajayi charged the students to look beyond the surface requirements of these fields like Fashion, Research, Dancing and Dermatology and try and find out how technology can ease their practice.
She said at the event, which was organised by eBusiness Life Communication Limited in Lagos. that new careers are coming up that define technology, such as UI/UX Designs, integrator, Project Managers, Scum Masters, Business Analysis, among others. She noted that ideas for Apps that address their strengths and hobbies are part of delving into ICT, which can be furthered by writing the codes.
According to her, science and technology subjects are not as difficult as some people make of it, and told the girls to disabuse their minds on the difficult notion adding that “If you don’t limit yourself, nobody can do it.”
She engaged and enlightened the students on the use of technology in achieving their strength within their SWOT analysis, noting that they should start by learning, asking questions and executing tasks.
“Look for mentors; look for people that will support you. And because there is so much space in technology, when you want a ready job in Nigeria, delve into ICT.”
Convener of the event and Chief Executive Officer of eBusiness Life Communication Limited, Mrs. Ufuoma Emuophedaro encouraged the girls to change the stereotype that sees ICT and Engineering careers as a gender role tilted towards men. She noted that this stereotype is what the Girls in ICT campaign is trying to erase.
“Do girls use technology? Yes! But that is not all we want. Apart from using, we want them to create technology. Also no matter what sector you are in, you need to have some in-depth knowledge of technology,” she said.
The International Girls in ICT Day is an initiative of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) that seeks to bridge the gender divide in ICT related careers by encouraging girls to build a foundation that will position them in tech-related jobs of the future.
