Minister Decries Destruction of Kano Tech Hub Amid #EndBadGovernance Protests

The Minister of Communications, Bosun Tijani, expressed deep concern on Thursday over the destruction of the Nigeria Communications Centre in Kano, allegedly targeted by #EndBadGovernance protesters.

The incident, occurring amid ongoing nationwide protests, is seen as a major setback to the government’s plans to foster a thriving tech ecosystem in the country.

In a tweet, Tijani lamented the damage, saying, “Sad to learn that our Digital Innovation Park in Kano, slated for launch next week to support our 3 million technical talent accelerator (3MTT), has been set ablaze and looted by protesters. Alongside #3MTT, this building was set to host our buildathon holiday maker programme for secondary school kids starting next week. A slight setback for our journey to deepening our workforce for technology while creating job opportunities for the youth. Millions of Naira down the drain.”

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Tijani’s statement, highlighting the loss of a facility intended to nurture young tech talent, has resonated with many Nigerians. However, it has also sparked debate, with some questioning the timing and the extent of the damage.

The destruction of the Kano tech hub marks a significant blow to Nigeria’s tech industry, which looked to the facility as a catalyst for innovation and job creation. The centre was set to provide a platform for young people to develop their skills and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.