Nigerian Youths Urged to Participate in ECOWAS Cybersecurity Hackathon

Nigerian Youths Urged to Participate in ECOWAS Cybersecurity Hackathon

In a move to bolster the cybersecurity landscape in West Africa, a leading digital literacy organization, the Network of Advocates for Digital Reporting (NADIR), has called on Nigerian youths to apply for the Economic Community of West Africa’s (ECOWAS) cybersecurity hackathon.

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) recently announced that the Capture the Flag (CTF) competition, organized by ECOWAS and hosted by Nigeria, is a collaborative effort involving the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.

The “Capture the Flag” (CTF) competition presents a phenomenal opportunity for young Nigerians to develop in-demand cybersecurity skills, network with regional professionals, and contribute to a safer digital landscape for West Africa.

In a press statement, the Executive Secretary of NADIR, Mohammed Dahiru Lawal, urged all eligible Nigerian youths, from beginners to seasoned professionals, to seize this chance to sharpen their cybersecurity skills through the CTF, which provides a fun and engaging vista and allows for continuous learning through valuable insights into the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity.

He said the event would equip participants to stay ahead of the curve and network with other talented individuals from across the region, fostering a vibrant cybersecurity community. “Participating in the ECOWAS Cybersecurity Hackathon is an investment in the nation, the future of our youth, and the upcoming generation, which hold the potential to open doors towards excellent job prospects and collaborative projects,” Lawal emphasized.

NADIR is committed to empowering Nigerians with the knowledge and skills to thrive in the digital age. The organization advocates for responsible digital practices, promotes digital inclusion, and bridges the digital divide. “We therefore encourage all eligible Nigerians to register for the ECOWAS Cybersecurity Hackathon so that together, we can build a more secure and prosperous digital future for our nation and continent,” Lawal added.

NITDA highlighted the event as an excellent opportunity for both beginners and seasoned professionals to immerse themselves in the world of cybersecurity, acquire new skills, and network with fellow enthusiasts.

In its post on the hackathon’s website, ECOWAS invited talented individuals and teams to join the exhilarating competition to demonstrate their expertise, collaborate with peers, and push the boundaries of cybersecurity. “Be part of the talent pool driving the security of cyberspace for your country and West Africa as a whole,” ECOWAS stated.

The Cybersecurity Hackathon aims to foster a platform for young technology enthusiasts, ultimately enhancing the cyber workforce in the region. ECOWAS has urged member states to participate and showcase their brightest minds in this competition.

The registration for the competition opened on July 18 and is expected to close on August 5, 2024. ECOWAS has outlined the following eligibility criteria for participants:

Participants are expected to be citizens of ECOWAS member countries, while travel tickets would be provided for those residing within the region.

Each team must consist of a minimum of three and a maximum of four members, with at least one (1) female participant. They must be between seventeen (17) and thirty-five (35) years of age.

Despite the steady increase in cyberattacks, Nigeria currently has one of the lowest numbers of cybersecurity experts in the world. According to a recent report by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2), there is now a global gap of four million cybersecurity jobs to be filled, with Nigeria and South Africa having more gaps compared to other countries.

To address this talent shortage, the Nigerian government has launched the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, which aims to train 3 million Nigerians in technical skills, including cybersecurity.

The ECOWAS Cybersecurity Hackathon presents an opportunity for Nigerian youths to showcase their skills, network with industry professionals, and contribute to strengthening the cybersecurity landscape in West Africa.

By participating in this competition, young Nigerians can not only enhance their own capabilities but also play a crucial role in securing the digital future of their country and the region.