For a long time, discussions about Northern Nigeria’s technology sector have centered on its untapped potential, limited resources, and the underrepresentation of women, especially in advanced fields like machine learning. However, this environment of scarcity has quietly sparked a transformative movement.
In regions where opportunities are scarce and the path to global innovation seems far off, the determination of a young woman can rewrite the story entirely.
In an exclusive conversation with Hauwa Yakubu Aliyu, an emerging tech innovator reshaping the future for young women in Northern Nigeria, she revealed the beginnings of her inspiring career.
Hauwa, a computer science graduate from Usman Danfodio University and currently pursuing a master’s degree 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, aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ambition to create 2 million digital jobs by 2025 by cultivating a robust pool of technical experts.
MTN Nigeria plays a pivotal role as a key partner, investing N3 billion to bolster the 3MTT initiative. Their support is crucial, having funded technical training for thousands of Nigerians directly.
Significantly, MTN allocated N1.5 billion in data grants, ensuring participants maintain internet connectivity essential for accessing training, especially in remote locations. Additionally, MTN supplies learning devices, exemplifying how private sector collaboration can empower government efforts to nurture skilled professionals.
This collaboration guarantees that young Nigerians across the country can acquire vital tech skills.
Hauwa’s drive was ignited even before the programme commenced. She recounted an orientation session where a previous winner mentioned receiving a laptop, and the community manager noted, “It’s been a long time since anyone from Jigawa won.”
Motivated to alter this narrative, 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 initial ambition led to her award-winning machine learning project focused on detecting plant diseases using a convolutional neural network (CNN). Her achievement propelled her from the local Knowledge Showcase to representing Nigeria at the esteemed 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 reshaping every aspect of life. We truly live in a digital age.
My enthusiasm also stemmed from recognizing a significant gender gap in tech within Northern Nigeria, my home region. This motivated me to be part of the change. I also noticed that people from Jigawa rarely participate in such programmes, which encouraged me to seize every opportunity.
During the 3MTT orientation, I heard it had been a while since anyone from Jigawa won the knowledge showcase. At that moment, I resolved to win a laptop from the programme-and I did. That determination was my initial spark.
Q: How did your education prepare you for the practical opportunities that arose from the 3MTT initiative?
Hauwa: My academic training provided a solid theoretical base. I understood many concepts in theory, but there was a clear gap between academic knowledge and practical application.
The 3MTT programme bridged that divide. Since I already had the theoretical background, the programme helped me apply that knowledge to real-world projects, turning theory into actionable skills.
In essence, 3MTT was the catalyst that transformed my classroom learning into market-ready expertise.
Q: In what ways did the 3MTT experience influence your career path?
Hauwa: The exposure, confidence, and network I gained, especially after attending the Tech4Good Summit, were invaluable.
The international mentorship I received during the summit was transformative, broadening my perspective within the tech industry. Throughout the 3MTT programme, my facilitator was a constant source of encouragement and support whenever I faced challenges.
This blend of global exposure and local guidance fundamentally shaped my professional journey.
Q: Moving from a local knowledge showcase to a competitive international platform like the Tech4Good Summit in China must have been challenging. What were some key obstacles you encountered?
Hauwa: Surprisingly, the transition was relatively smooth 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 support.
The main challenge was the intense competition at the summit. We were selected as fellows after a national challenge in Nigeria, but we hadn’t fully grasped the scale of the event.
Upon arrival, we realized other participants were national winners from Huawei ICT competitions in their countries, with fully developed projects.
In contrast, we had only developed our idea within five days, as we were unfamiliar with the competition’s structure. This lack of preparation compared to our peers was the biggest 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 to minimize crop losses and enable timely intervention, which this system facilitates.
Q: Representing Nigeria on an international platform is a remarkable feat. How did it feel to showcase your project, and what was your mindset during that moment?
Hauwa: Representing Nigeria was both an honor and a profound responsibility. It was a proud moment not just for me, but for my family, friends, and community. It symbolized that young people from Jigawa have innovative ideas with global significance.
The experience was a tremendous learning opportunity. I gained insights from peers worldwide, observed their innovations, and learned about the supportive policies in their countries.
The recognition I received was invaluable. Being acknowledged at the Tech4Good Summit has enhanced my credibility and affirmed that dedication leads to achievement.
Q: Following these transformative experiences, how has your perspective on technology and Nigeria’s environment evolved? What are your future goals, especially regarding empowering others?
Hauwa: My journey with 3MTT has reshaped my outlook. 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 challenges 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 aspire to help dismantle these barriers so more Nigerians can benefit from transformative opportunities like mine.
Q: What key advice would you offer young Nigerians, especially those from underserved areas, who are passionate about technology and eager to succeed?
Hauwa: Don’t wait for perfect conditions or resources. Use what you have. Pursue certified training that enhances both your skills and credibility. I also encourage young people to focus on solving local problems first.
Begin with small, meaningful challenges in your community that can scale over time. You don’t need to tackle global issues immediately. Successfully addressing local problems will naturally lead to bigger opportunities.
Document and share your progress. My journey was shared widely, which opened doors to major platforms. Organizations like TechNext value these stories, so make sure to tell yours.
Networking is vital-it creates pathways to greater opportunities.
Lastly, I always say: if something is worth doing, it’s worth doing well. If you commit to a programme like 3MTT, take it seriously. Show up, work hard, and excel.
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