The Bauchi State government has trained 100 youths in cybersecurity to strengthen digital protection and promote employment generation.

The beneficiaries were trained under the Cyber Nations Programme, designed to expand the state’s participation in the digital economy.

Governor Bala Mohammed said this at the trainees’ graduation and the launch of the Bauchi State Innovation and Startup Act on Tuesday.

Represented by his deputy, Auwal Jatau, the governor described the initiative as a strategic investment in youth development and the state’s technological advancement.

Mr Mohammed said his administration would leverage technology to improve governance, strengthen institutions, promote innovation and create economic opportunities.

He said that the state government had approved a zero-cost policy for wayleave and data charges associated with broadband deployment to expand internet access across the state.

The governor urged telecommunication companies and internet service providers to invest in infrastructure and expand connectivity to underserved communities.

Mr Mohammed also urged stakeholders and digital hubs to collaborate with relevant ministries, departments and agencies to implement the Bauchi State Innovation and Startup Act.

The Act, passed by the Bauchi State House of Assembly in October 2026, provided a framework for promoting innovation and supporting startups in the state.

Hayyayuddeen Babamaaji, director-general of the Bauchi State Bureau for ICT and Digital Economy, said the graduates were equipped with skills to detect and prevent cyberattacks during the six-month training exercise.

“The initiative also aimed at strengthening digital resilience and creating employment opportunities for young people,” he said.

Also, Rick Huijbregts, country representative of Protexxa Inc., Canada, urged government agencies and private organisations to provide employment opportunities for the graduates.

“Nigeria requires more than 68,000 cybersecurity professionals to bridge the existing skills gap,” he said.

Kashifu Inuwa, director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), charged the graduates to secure public trust to promote and protect digital services.

Mr Inuwa was represented by an agency official, Aisha Salawu.

(NAN)