Bauchi Produces100 Cybersecurity Professionals To Boost Digital Economy

Bauchi State government has produced over 100 youths from its CyberNations Programme, equipping them with cybersecurity skills and professional certification aimed at improving their employment prospects and strengthening digital security.

The programme, according to the state government, prepared the young people for opportunities in the digital economy through intensive training, practical learning and internationally recognised certification.

The director-general of the Bauchi State Bureau for ICT and Digital Economy (BICTDE), Hayatudeen Babamaji, disclosed this yesterday at the graduation of the trainees held alongside the launch of the Bauchi State Startup Act at the Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre (ICC), Bauchi.

Babamaji said the initiative reflected the government’s commitment to investing in human capital and preparing young people to participate in the growing technology industry.

He recalled that the state government embarked on the programme on August 12, 2025, with the objective of expanding access to globally relevant cybersecurity skills.

“The objective was to prepare our young people to participate in the digital economy, develop the technical competencies required for the cybersecurity profession, and compete for opportunities beyond the boundaries of our state,” he said.

He explained that the programme was structured to provide participants with a solid foundation in cybersecurity, including an understanding of the responsibilities associated with protecting digital systems, networks, information and users.

Babamaji said more than 100 participants had completed approximately six months of training and professional development, with the graduates earning the CompTIA Security+ certification.

The director-general said cybersecurity had become increasingly important as individuals, businesses and government institutions relied more heavily on digital platforms to conduct transactions, store information and deliver services.

He explained that the growing use of digital technology had increased the need for professionals capable of protecting networks, detecting threats and responding to security incidents.

According to him, the graduates could contribute to security operations, risk assessment, threat detection and incident response, subject to further professional development and practical experience.

“Cybersecurity professionals demand continuous learning. Threats evolve, technology changes and new vulnerabilities emerge,” he said.

He noted that cybersecurity, software development, data analytics, cloud computing and other digital specialisations offered opportunities for young people willing to learn and continually improve their capabilities.

He, however, stressed that the impact of digital training should not be measured solely by the number of participants who completed a programme or received certificates.

The director-general said the launch of the Bauchi State Startup Act initiative was intended to complement the CyberNations Programme by creating an enabling environment for technology-driven businesses.

He explained that while the CyberNations Programme focused on developing technical skills, the Startup Act initiative sought to strengthen the policy framework needed to support entrepreneurship and innovation.

He said the Startup Act initiative was intended to strengthen the support available to technology entrepreneurs and improve coordination within the state’s innovation ecosystem.

Also, Governor Bala Mohammed, represented by his deputy, Muhammad Auwal Jatau, said the CyberNations Programme and the Startup Act initiative formed complementary parts of his administration’s development agenda.

The governor said the state was committed to creating opportunities for young people to apply their knowledge, develop innovative solutions and contribute to economic growth.

He urged the graduates to maintain discipline, curiosity and professional excellence while pursuing further training and gaining practical experience.

Mohammed also called on tertiary institutions, technology hubs and innovation centres to strengthen partnerships with government and industry to expand opportunities for young people.

The Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Sulaiman Adamu, commended the state government for its commitment to infrastructure development, education, youth empowerment and technological advancement.

He particularly praised the Cybernations Programme for equipping young people with relevant digital skills and preparing them for emerging opportunities in the modern economy.

The Emir further urged the graduating participants to put their newly acquired skills to productive use, maintain high standards of professionalism and embrace hard work, excellence and lifelong learning.