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By Damiete Braide
NerdzFactory Foundation in collaboration with Access Corporation has launched the DigiSafe Programmed, an initiative designed to promote online safety and digital responsibility among secondary school students in Lagos State and Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.
According to the director of NerdzFactory Foundation, Ade Olowojoba, the programme was born out of growing concerns over the risks that young people face in the digital world, ranging from cyber-bullying to privacy breaches and exposure to harmful contents. The initiative equally seeks to arm students with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the challenges confidently and safely.
He said the programme takes a comprehensive approach, focusing on both students’ engagement and teachers’ training to ensure a holistic understanding of online safety.
Olowojoba emphasised the importance of the programme, stating, “This initiative is crucial in today’s digital age, where young people are increasingly exposed to online risks. Our goal is to ensure that every student who participates in this programme leaves with a strong understanding of online safety principles, empowering them to protect themselves and others in the digital space.
“As the programme progresses, its reach is expected to expand further, with plans to engage more schools and communities. NerdzFactory Foundation and Access Corporation are committed to the success of this initiative and are optimistic about its continued positive impact on students in Lagos, Ilorin and beyond.
“Through the programme, NerdzFactory Foundation and Access Corporation are not only addressing the immediate need of online safety education, but also helping to shape a future where young people can confidently navigate the digital world with responsibility and caution.”
He noted that the programme kicked off with interactive school assemblies in Ilorin, reaching over 4,000 students across 12 secondary schools.
“These assemblies were designed to be more than just informative sessions; they were interactive experiences that allowed students to explore real-life scenarios and discuss potential online dangers. Through these engagements, students gained a deeper understanding of how to protect themselves from common online threats such as phishing, cyber-bullying, and data privacy issues,” he said.
He equally noted that the programme’s impact extends beyond the students themselves, to teachers as they play a crucial role in shaping students’ understanding of the digital world. “So, the DigiSafe Programme also includes a specialised Training of Trainers (TOT) component. This aspect of the initiative equips teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively deliver online safety education. By empowering teachers, the programme ensures that the lessons of digital safety are reinforced in the classroom, creating a supportive environment where students can continue to learn and grow in their understanding of safe online practices.
“The programme also features focused workshops led by trained teachers. These workshops delve deeper into specific aspects of online safety, giving students the opportunity to apply what they have learned in practical settings. By participating in these workshops, students are not only learning about online safety but also developing critical thinking skills that will serve them well beyond the digital realm. One of the most exciting aspects of the DigiSafe Programme is the essay competition,” he stated.
