For a long time, discussions about Northern Nigeria’s technology sector have centered on its untapped potential, the scarcity of resources, and the underrepresentation of women, especially in advanced fields like machine learning. However, this environment of limitation has quietly sparked a transformative movement.
In regions where opportunities are subtle and the gateway to global innovation seems far off, the determination of a young woman with big dreams can rewrite the story entirely.
In a revealing conversation with Hauwa Yakubu Aliyu, an emerging tech star reshaping the possibilities for women in Northern Nigeria, she recounted the beginnings of her remarkable career.
Hauwa, a computer science graduate from Usman Danfodio University and currently advancing her studies with an MSc in computer vision at Bayero University, launched her professional journey through the 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) Initiative.
The 3MTT programme, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, is designed to cultivate a robust pool of technical experts, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu‘s goal of creating two million digital jobs by 2025.
MTN Nigeria plays a pivotal role as a key partner, investing N3 billion to bolster the 3MTT initiative. Their financial support has been crucial in delivering technical training to thousands across the country.
Significantly, MTN allocated N1.5 billion in data grants, ensuring participants maintain internet connectivity essential for accessing online learning resources, especially in remote locations. Additionally, MTN supplies necessary learning tools, exemplifying how private sector involvement can accelerate government efforts to nurture skilled professionals.
This collaboration guarantees that young Nigerians, regardless of location, have access to vital tech education.
Hauwa’s drive was sparked even before the programme’s official launch. She vividly remembers an orientation session where a previous winner mentioned receiving a laptop, and the community manager expressed disappointment that no one from Jigawa had won in a long time.
Motivated to alter this trend, Hauwa set a personal goal to win a laptop through the programme. “I was determined to earn a laptop from this initiative, and thankfully, I did,” she shared.
This determination led to her award-winning machine learning project focused on detecting plant diseases using a convolutional neural network (CNN). Her achievement propelled her from a local showcase to representing Nigeria at the prestigious Tech4Good Summit in China.
Here is an excerpt from our discussion:
Q: What inspired your passion for technology, especially coming from Jigawa State in Northern Nigeria?
Hauwa: I’ve always been intrigued by how technology is shaping every aspect of our lives. We truly live in a digital age.
My motivation also stemmed from noticing the scarcity of women in tech within Northern Nigeria, my home region. I wanted to be part of the change. Additionally, I observed that people from Jigawa rarely engaged in such programmes, which encouraged me to seize the opportunity.
At the 3MTT orientation, I heard it had been a long time since anyone from Jigawa won the knowledge showcase. That moment fueled my resolve to win a laptop from the programme, and I’m proud to say I achieved that goal.
Q: How did your education prepare you for the practical opportunities you encountered through 3MTT?
Hauwa: My academic training gave me a solid theoretical base. I understood many concepts in theory, but there was a noticeable gap when it came to applying that knowledge practically.
The 3MTT programme was instrumental in bridging this divide. Since I already had the theoretical understanding, the programme helped me translate that into real-world projects and hands-on experience.
In essence, 3MTT transformed my academic knowledge into practical, market-ready skills.
Q: In what ways did the 3MTT experience influence your career path?
Hauwa: The exposure, confidence, and network I gained were invaluable, especially after attending the Tech4Good Summit.
The international mentorship I received there was transformative, broadening my perspective within the tech industry. Throughout the 3MTT journey, my facilitator was a constant source of encouragement and support whenever I faced challenges.
This blend of global exposure and local mentorship truly shaped the direction of my career.
Q: Moving from a local competition to an international platform like the Tech4Good Summit in China must have been challenging. What were some obstacles you encountered?
Hauwa: Surprisingly, the transition was smoother than expected, thanks to the support system in place.
We traveled with the learning team, including mentors like Mr. Theophilus and the partnership lead, who guided us through idea selection, pitching, and rehearsals. Each team was also paired with an international mentor for additional guidance.
The biggest challenge was the intense competition. We arrived as fellows selected from a national challenge, unaware of the event’s scale.
We soon realized other participants were national winners from Huawei ICT competitions, many of whom had fully developed projects. In contrast, we had only crafted our idea within five days, as we hadn’t anticipated the competition’s structure. This lack of preparation was the main hurdle.
Q: Could you elaborate on the machine learning project you presented and its impact?
Hauwa: My project focused on Plant Disease Detection using a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN).
It was inspired by the challenges local farmers face in quickly and accurately identifying crop diseases. Early detection is vital as it helps minimize crop damage and allows farmers to act promptly.
Q: Representing Nigeria internationally is a huge honor. How did it feel to showcase your work, and what was your mindset during the presentation?
Hauwa: It was a profound moment of pride and responsibility. Not only was I proud, but my family, friends, and community manager were also thrilled. It symbolized that young people from Jigawa have innovative ideas with global relevance.
The experience was a tremendous learning opportunity. I gained insights from peers worldwide, discovering their innovations and the supportive policies in their countries.
The recognition I received was invaluable. Representing Nigeria at the Tech4Good Summit has enhanced my credibility and reinforced my belief that dedication leads to success.
Q: How have these experiences reshaped your outlook on technology and Nigeria’s future? What are your aspirations moving forward, especially regarding empowering others?
Hauwa: My journey with 3MTT has profoundly shifted my perspective. I now see Nigeria’s greatest asset as its youthful population combined with technology.
There is immense talent among our youth, and technology offers scalable solutions to pressing issues in agriculture, healthcare, and education.
My ambition is to continue leveraging this knowledge. I’ve learned that young people need quality training and platforms like 3MTT to showcase their ideas and reach their potential.
Many talented youths are hindered by limited resources and access. I aim to be part of the solution that breaks down these barriers, ensuring more Nigerians can benefit from transformative opportunities like mine.
Q: What key advice would you offer to young Nigerians, especially those from underserved areas, who are eager to succeed in technology?
Hauwa: Don’t wait for perfect conditions or resources. Use what you have and seek out certified training that enhances both your skills and credibility.
Focus on solving local problems first. Begin with challenges in your community that are manageable and meaningful. You don’t need to tackle global issues immediately. Successfully addressing local needs will naturally lead to bigger opportunities.
Document and share your progress. My journey was shared widely, which opened doors to major platforms. Outlets like TechNext value these stories, so make sure to tell yours.
Networking is also vital-it creates pathways to greater opportunities.
Lastly, remember: if something is worth doing, it’s worth doing well. Commit fully to any training or project, show up consistently, and put in your best effort.