NSUK Centre Champions Girls’ Inclusion in ICT, Health Development
By Roseline Okafor, Nasarawa
The Centre for Gender Studies at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), in collaboration with the institution’s ICT Directorate and the World Health Awareness Programme 2026, has intensified efforts to empower girls through Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for improved health outcomes and sustainable development.
The initiative, held on April 22, 2026, at the university’s Assembly Hall, convened key stakeholders, health professionals, and ICT experts to examine how digital innovation can enhance the wellbeing, rights, and opportunities of girls.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, represented by the Director of the Entrepreneurship Centre, Prof. Rashida Olarewaju, commended the Centre for Gender Studies for its impactful programmes. She described the collaboration with the ICT Directorate as a reflection of institutional unity and a shared commitment to inclusive development.
“This collaboration underscores the strength of working together towards a common goal. It demonstrates that collective efforts can drive meaningful and lasting change,” she said, reaffirming the university’s dedication to innovation, inclusiveness, and student welfare.
Speaking on behalf of the ICT Directorate, Mrs. Hajara J. Garba, who represented the Director, Prof. Nachamada Vachaku Blamah, reiterated the directorate’s commitment to equipping young women with digital skills, mentorship, and access to technological tools. She stressed the increasing role of ICT in modern healthcare delivery.
“Technology has become the backbone of healthcare—from telemedicine services reaching rural communities to mobile applications supporting maternal care and data systems strengthening public health responses,” she noted.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Nasarawa State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ibrahim Adamu, represented by Dr. Alhassan Adamu, reaffirmed government’s commitment to adolescent health and access to reliable health information.
He assured continued support for initiatives that empower young people to lead healthy and productive lives.
In a goodwill message, the Emir of Keffi, Dr. Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, represented by the Wanban Keffi, lauded the organisers for integrating ICT with health awareness, describing it as a holistic approach to development that nurtures both intellectual and physical wellbeing.
The Director of the Centre for Gender Studies, Dr. Comfort Adokwe-Obed, alongside the Deputy Director (Academics), Dr. Ochanya Mercy Yakubu Lamai, emphasised the need to equip girls with digital competencies essential for thriving in today’s technology-driven world.
They noted that the initiative aligns with global efforts to promote gender equality and increase female participation in science and innovation.
The event featured lectures by Mary Jane Sule on “Harnessing ICT to Improve Girls’ Health, Rights and Opportunities in Nigeria,” and Aisha Musa Abubakar on “Promoting Adolescent Girls’ Health and Wellbeing in the Digital Age.”
A panel discussion titled “Digital Inclusion for Girls: A Tool for Health Education and Empowerment” brought together experts including Dr. Lamai, Dr. Adaeze Ezeil, Dr. Faith Awadzi Albert, Yunus Fatima Abdulsalam, Dr. Abdullahi Rabo, and Dr. Asaniyan Samson.
Highlights of the programme included a quiz competition among participating schools, with St. Peters Anglican School emerging as one of the winners alongside two others.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Hajara Ahmed II, Deputy Director of Programmes at the Centre for Gender Studies, while awards were presented to the winning schools by the Director, Dr. Adokwe-Obed, marking a successful close to the initiative.
