Two young men using their laptops in Nigeria. Credit: Code💻 Ninja⚡
The use of technology has become an integral part of our lives, and being proficient in information and communication technology (ICT) skills is essential for individuals to fully participate in today's digital economy. A recent study, the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), aimed to understand the ICT skills of women and men in Nigeria.
The survey collected information on the ICT skills of adults aged 15-49 years by evaluating their ability to carry out a variety of computer-related activities in the last three months. These activities included tasks such as copying or moving a file or folder, using a copy and paste tool, sending e-mails with attached files, using basic arithmetic formulas in a spreadsheet, and more.
The survey results showed that only 8.6% of the adult population aged between 15 and 49 had at least one of these ICT skills. However, there was a significant difference in the ICT skills of individuals living in urban and rural areas, with 15.6% of adults in urban areas having at least one of these skills, compared to just 2.9% in rural areas.
The survey also found that the distribution of ICT skills varied across geographical zones in Nigeria. The highest percentage of adults with ICT skills was found in the South West region, at 14.5%, followed by the South South region at 12.6%. On the other hand, the North East region had the lowest percentage of adults with ICT skills, at 4.0%.
When looking at the results by gender, the survey found that men generally had higher ICT skills than women. The highest percentage of men with ICT skills was found in the Abuja Federal Capital Territory at 30.5%, followed by Delta at 27.7%.
For women, the highest percentage was found in Ebonyi at 16.5%, followed by Enugu at 16.2%.
Overall, the survey results highlight the need for increased efforts to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas and to promote digital literacy, particularly among women and individuals living in less developed regions of Nigeria. These efforts could include investing in digital education and training programs, and providing access to technology and internet infrastructure in under-served areas.
In conclusion, the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) showed that the majority of adults aged 15-49 years in Nigeria have low ICT skills and that the ICT skills of individuals living in urban areas is much higher than those in rural areas.
The survey also revealed that there are significant differences in the ICT skills of individuals across different regions in Nigeria, with the South West and South South regions having the highest percentage of adults with ICT skills. The survey results highlight the importance of investing in digital education and training programs and providing access to technology and internet infrastructure in under-served areas.