A Nigerian digital literacy advocate Festus Onyechei Ayo and technology strategist has called for urgent and coordinated efforts to strengthen digital education, cybersecurity enforcement, and infrastructure development across the country.

In an interview with our correspondent, Festus Ayo the TechUp founder emphasized that his passion for computer science was driven by curiosity and the transformative potential of technology. According to him, early exposure to digital tools revealed how technology can simplify communication, solve complex problems, and create economic opportunities.

“Technology has the power to bridge gaps in education, healthcare, governance, and entrepreneurship,” he said. “Computer science is fundamentally about structured problem-solving and building solutions that can impact millions.”

Understanding Cybersecurity and Digital Inclusion
Speaking on cybersecurity, he described it as the protection of computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access and digital attacks. He identified key components such as data protection, network security, identity management, and incident response, stressing that cybersecurity is foundational to trust in modern digital systems.
On digital inclusion, he explained that it goes beyond internet access. It involves ensuring that underserved populations have affordable connectivity, access to devices, digital literacy training, and relevant online services. “Digital inclusion ensures that no one is left behind in the digital economy,” he noted.

Nigeria’s Digital Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities
Assessing Nigeria’s digital environment, he acknowledged both challenges and prospects. Among the major obstacles are limited broadband infrastructure in rural communities, high cost of devices and internet data, erratic power supply, digital skills gaps, and low cybersecurity awareness.

However, he highlighted significant opportunities, including Nigeria’s youthful population, expanding startup ecosystem in cities such as Lagos and Abuja, growing government interest in digital economy policies, and increased access to remote work opportunities in the global marketplace.
“Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment where digital literacy can drive economic transformation,” he said.

The TechUp Initiative
The digital expert also spoke extensively about TechUp, a digital empowerment initiative aimed at bridging the skills gap among young people and professionals. The program provides training ranging from foundational to advanced digital skills, promotes cybersecurity awareness, offers mentorship and career guidance, and supports tech entrepreneurship.

“Digital skills are not luxury competencies—they are survival tools in the 21st-century economy,” he stated, adding that the initiative prioritizes underserved communities to promote inclusivity.
Leveraging Technology for Sustainable Development
On how Nigeria can leverage digital technology to advance sustainable development, he identified five strategic areas: e-governance, digital agriculture, health technology, education technology, and smart infrastructure.

He explained that digitizing public services could enhance transparency and reduce corruption, while telemedicine and digital health records could expand healthcare access. Similarly, data-driven agricultural tools and online learning platforms could significantly improve productivity and human capital development.
“Digital technology can accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals by improving efficiency, accountability, and inclusion,” he said.

Infrastructure: Progress with Gaps
Evaluating Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, he described it as improving but inconsistent. While fintech and startup ecosystems show high productivity potential, overall reliability remains hindered by unstable electricity supply, limited broadband penetration, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
He warned that although urban centers are witnessing rapid digital growth, rural communities continue to lag behind, calling the digital divide a national priority issue.

Areas for Improvement
The technology advocate further identified key areas where Nigeria must improve, including introducing digital education at the primary school level, strengthening cybersecurity enforcement, enhancing public-private collaboration, expanding rural broadband access, and ensuring consistent implementation of digital policies.

“Good policies exist, but execution remains weak,” he observed.
Advice to Young Nigerians
Offering advice to the younger generation, he encouraged continuous learning and adaptability, given the fast-evolving nature of technology. He urged young people to develop core competencies such as data literacy, coding fundamentals, cybersecurity awareness, and digital communication skills.

“Build, don’t just consume,” he advised. “Use technology responsibly, think globally, and leverage digital tools to create value and solve real problems.”

He concluded that digital literacy is not merely about using devices but about shaping the future through innovation and responsible digital engagement.