IN a world where digital literacy is increasingly becoming a lifeline to economic opportunity, one young woman in Northern Nigeria is breaking barriers and lighting the path for others to follow.
Khadija Suleiman Jebu, a passionate youth development advocate, social impact leader, and alumna of the prestigious YES (Youth Exchange and Study) Program, has once again demonstrated the power of grassroots change.
With unwavering dedication and vision, she led the Tech Skill-Up Project, a transformative initiative aimed at equipping underserved young people in Kano with the digital skills necessary for success in today’s technology-driven workforce.
The two-week intensive training was conducted from June 16th to 29th, 2025, as part of the Global Village on the Move (GVOTM) Grant sponsored by the American Councils for International Education, with backing from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
It brought together 12 carefully selected young people from across Kano State for rigorous digital empowerment, combining hands-on tech education with mentorship, career roadmapping, and long-term opportunity-building.
In a region where access to digital resources remains limited, many of the participants had never operated a laptop or used a smartphone beyond basic communication.
But within just two weeks, these youth went from digital novices to confident creators designing websites, producing brand identities, crafting digital posters, writing professional emails, and developing personal portfolios.
Participants received practical instruction in:
• Basic Computer Operations and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Professional Email Use and Etiquette
• Introduction to Web Design (HTML, Wix, and WordPress)
• Graphic Design with Canva
• Soft Skills, Digital Literacy, and Personal Branding
• Mentorship and Career Development
Sessions were held daily from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and combined direct learning with mentorship panels. Notably, the program brought in young Nigerian tech professionals and changemakers who shared their real-life journeys in the tech ecosystem — emphasizing resilience, continuous learning, and self-belief.
The mentorship component proved especially powerful. Industry professionals, many of whom were themselves youth leaders in Nigeria’s growing tech scene, provided guidance and encouragement that resonated deeply with the participants.
The stories of starting from scratch, overcoming self-doubt, and thriving in competitive tech spaces were not just inspiring but also relatable to the young learners.
The Tech Skill-Up Project concluded with a vibrant showcase and graduation ceremony on July 6th, 2025. Participants presented their final projects including live websites and digital portfolios to an audience of mentors, facilitators, partners, and family members.
Certificates were awarded, and the excitement in the room was palpable. Beyond certificates, the participants were also granted access to:
• A year-long Canva Premium subscription
• Advanced online courses in Full Stack Development and Artificial Intelligence
• Exclusive internship and mentorship opportunities
• Continued learning tracks in web design and digital entrepreneurship
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Project Lead Khadija Suleiman shared the deeply personal journey behind the initiative.
Originally intended to be her final project for the Global Village on the Move program which included a physical training phase in Turkey she was unable to attend due to visa complications. Rather than allowing that setback to defeat her, Khadija poured her energy into creating lasting impact at home.
“This project was designed not just to teach skills, but to ignite curiosity, build confidence, and show young people that they belong in the digital world,” she said. “Now they are building websites, creating visual content, and writing professionally that is transformation.”
She also praised the unwavering support from partner organizations including Global Shapers Kano, Outside Lab, GGI Nigeria, and NAIHD, all of which played critical roles in delivering the program. Their collaboration, alongside the dedication of two key facilitators; Hafsah Balarabe Bello and Nasir Muhammad ensured smooth execution of the project.
Special appreciation was also given to Sumayya Tofa, who led the Canva-based design classes, and Mubarak Daha, mentor and Deputy Curator at Global Shapers Kano Hub, for his consistent support and guidance.
This initiative is a testament to what youth-led change can look like when given the right support and platform. Khadija’s story is not only one of personal resilience but also of creating pathways for others, especially those who are often left out of the digital revolution.
In a region where many young people are unemployed or underemployed due to lack of digital access, the Tech Skill-Up Project may very well have opened new doors to careers and opportunities previously thought unreachable.
The program has already begun receiving inquiries from other communities and funders eager to replicate its model.
Khadija’s work doesn’t end here. With a long-standing commitment to education, health, and technology as tools for social change, she plans to scale future cohorts of the Tech Skill-Up Project, expand digital training hubs in underserved areas, and collaborate with more local and international partners to reach even more youth.
She concluded with a call to action: “Young people don’t have to wait to lead change they can start now. We need to create more spaces like this, where youth feel seen, supported, and empowered to create the future they want.”
For media inquiries, partnership opportunities, or to support future programs, contact the Tech Skill-Up Project team.
