Former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, has urged young people in Bauchi State to take an active role in transforming the state and positioning themselves for opportunities in Nigeria’s increasingly digital economy.
Saraki gave the charge during the commissioning of a 500-seater Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre in Azare, Katagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State, describing the facility as an important investment in education, digital literacy and youth empowerment. (ThisDayLive)
The centre was established by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Bauchi State, Usman Adamu Ahmed Suphi, through the Assufiyya Humanitarian Foundation.
Saraki, who was represented at the commissioning by former PDP acting National Chairman, Abubakar Baraje, commended Suphi for investing in the development of young people and expanding access to technology in the state.
He said initiatives of this nature were particularly important given Nigeria’s large youth population and the need to transform the country’s demographic strength into economic opportunities.
According to Saraki, the facility should not be viewed merely as a centre for computer-based examinations but as a platform capable of opening doors to digital education, entrepreneurship, innovation, professional development and employment.
He urged youths in Azare and other parts of Bauchi State to take full ownership of the facility, protect its equipment and make maximum use of the opportunities it provides.
Saraki stressed that young people must acquire skills that are relevant not only within Nigeria but also in the international marketplace.
He noted that the growth of the internet and digital economy had created opportunities for Nigerians to market their skills and products to clients and consumers around the world.
The former Senate president therefore encouraged beneficiaries to approach the centre as a gateway to knowledge and economic empowerment rather than simply as a venue for examinations.
Digital Skills as a Pathway to Opportunity
Saraki said digital literacy had become increasingly important in preparing young people for the future of work.
He expressed confidence that access to modern ICT infrastructure would enable youths to develop skills that could help them secure employment, establish businesses and participate in the global digital economy.
The facility is equipped with about 500 computers, with each seat reportedly provided with a new laptop, as well as a Local Area Network and other equipment required for computer-based testing. (Independent Newspaper Nigeria)
The centre is also expected to provide opportunities for students and young people to prepare for professional examinations and certifications while developing competencies in emerging areas of technology.
Saraki’s intervention comes at a time when digital skills are increasingly regarded as essential to reducing youth unemployment and expanding access to remote work and entrepreneurship.
He said young people should take advantage of such opportunities to become productive contributors to the economy and help drive development in their communities.
Beyond Government Alone
The former Senate president also commended Suphi and the Assufiyya Humanitarian Foundation for demonstrating that development should not be left entirely to government.
He said individuals, philanthropic organisations, private-sector institutions and civil society groups all had important roles to play in complementing government efforts in education, skills development and community development.
Saraki maintained that sustainable development required collective action, particularly in areas where government resources alone might not be sufficient to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population.
He expressed confidence that the Azare ICT centre could have an impact beyond its immediate location by serving young people from surrounding communities and contributing to the wider development of Bauchi State and the North-East.
Suphi: Centre Is an Investment in the Future
Speaking at the event, Suphi described the facility as a symbol of hope, opportunity and a commitment to investing in people.
He said the centre was designed to expose students and youths in Azare and neighbouring communities to digital technology while preparing them for computer-based examinations, professional certifications, employment and entrepreneurship. (ThisDayLive)
Suphi said the project reflected his belief that investment in human capital was among the most effective ways to create lasting development.
He added that the Assufiyya Humanitarian Foundation would continue to support initiatives in education, healthcare, humanitarian assistance and youth development.
He also appealed to governments, educational institutions, corporate organisations and development partners to support programmes that expand opportunities for young Nigerians.
Call for Youths to Take Ownership
The importance of youth ownership was also emphasised by other speakers at the commissioning.
PDP National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed described the project as evidence of practical investment in human capital, saying leadership should be measured by concrete initiatives that improve people’s lives.
He noted that skills in areas such as software development, data analytics, cybersecurity, digital marketing and artificial intelligence could give young Nigerians access to international opportunities, remote employment and entrepreneurship. (Independent Newspaper Nigeria)
Mohammed urged beneficiaries to protect the facility and make effective use of the resources available to them.
Potential Impact on Bauchi
The commissioning of the centre represents another contribution to efforts to bridge the digital divide in Bauchi and the wider North-East.
Access to reliable ICT infrastructure remains important for students, entrepreneurs and young professionals seeking to participate in an economy increasingly driven by technology.
For Bauchi youths, the facility could provide a central platform for acquiring digital competencies, undertaking professional examinations and exploring new forms of employment.
Saraki consequently urged beneficiaries to view the centre as an opportunity to build skills that can contribute to the transformation of their communities.
He expressed confidence that with the right attitude, training and access to technology, young people could become major drivers of economic and social development in Bauchi State.
The former Senate president’s message was therefore clear: the transformation of Bauchi cannot be achieved by government alone. Young people must acquire relevant skills, embrace innovation and use available opportunities to create value for themselves and their communities.
As the centre begins full operations, stakeholders will be watching its impact on education, digital literacy, entrepreneurship and employment among young people in Azare and the surrounding communities.
The initiative ultimately underscores the growing importance of investing in knowledge and technology as part of efforts to build a more skilled, innovative and economically productive generation of young Nigerians.