In celebration of International Women’s Day, the Internet Society Nigeria Chapter hosted a special event at the Library of the University of Jos to celebrate and empower women through dialogue, mentorship, and digital skills training.
The event brought together 82 participants, primarily women staff of the University of Jos, along with participants from other organizations including the Industrial Training Fund and the Plateau State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency.
The gathering centered around the theme “Give to Gain,” encouraging participants to reflect on the importance of sharing knowledge, supporting one another, and building networks that foster both personal and professional growth.
The programme began with welcome remarks from the Treasurer of the Internet Society Nigeria Chapter, Mrs. Priscillia Igba, who thanked the participants for honoring the invitation and emphasized the importance of creating platforms where women can encourage one another and exchange ideas. She also introduced the event theme, inviting participants to share their perspectives on what “Give to Gain” means in their professional and personal lives.
A goodwill message was delivered by a representative of the University Librarian, who expressed the Library’s appreciation for hosting the event and reaffirmed its support for initiatives that promote learning, collaboration, and community development.
The President of the Internet Society Nigeria Chapter, Engr. Kunle Olorundare, joined the event virtually and welcomed participants, commending the women for their participation and reaffirming the chapter’s commitment to initiatives that promote digital inclusion and community empowerment.
One of the highlights of the programme was an inspiring talk by Dr. Mary-Jane Sule from the Department of Computer Science. Her presentation focused on the importance of building supportive networks and maintaining strong allies in the workplace, among friends, and within families. She encouraged women to be confident, embrace challenges, and share their success stories rather than hesitating to celebrate their achievements.
Participants also received encouraging remarks from Mrs. Ngozi Emefele, Plateau State Chapter Coordinator of Nigeria Women in Information Technology (NIWIIT), who urged women to continue supporting one another and to actively pursue opportunities that enhance their professional development.
The event also featured a cybersecurity awareness session titled “Introduction to Cyber Security,” facilitated by Oche Paul. The session introduced participants to essential online safety practices, including creating strong passwords, using multi-factor authentication, and recognizing potential online threats.
As part of the initiative, participants were offered access to a free six-week self-paced cybersecurity course, an opportunity that generated excitement among attendees and demonstrated the Internet Society Nigeria Chapter’s continued commitment to promoting digital literacy and safe Internet use.
The event concluded with networking, a group photograph, and the presentation of ISOC Nigeria-branded water bottles to participants as souvenirs.
The celebration served as a meaningful platform for connection, inspiration, and learning, reinforcing the importance of empowering women to thrive in the digital age.
