Ambassador Kabir Tandama, a digital safety advocate and founder of the CyberSafe Youth Initiative, has urged greater investment in cybersecurity education and digital literacy among young Nigerians, with a special focus on youths in Kano State.
He made the call in an exclusive interview with Daily News 24 on Friday, as part of activities marking Cybersecurity Awareness Month, observed globally every October. Tandama emphasized the urgent need to integrate cybersecurity training into Nigeria’s education system. Founded in 2024, his organisation, the CyberSafe Youth Initiative, seeks to equip young Nigerians with practical knowledge and digital skills to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.
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Tandama explained that his advocacy began after realizing that most Nigerian universities do not offer adequate cybersecurity education. According to him, the few institutions that do often focus heavily on theory, leaving students without the hands-on experience required in the digital industry.
“Free certifications alone don’t make someone a cyber analyst,” he explained. “Students need practical training and globally recognized certifications such as CompTIA and Security+ to build competence.”
He stressed that cybersecurity education should not be limited to tertiary institutions but introduced at the secondary school level to help students protect themselves from common threats like phishing attacks, social engineering, and online impersonation.
“Many people don’t understand the risks associated with using digital gadgets or how to react when they encounter cyber threats,” he said. “Awareness helps youths stay safe and responsible in the digital world.”
Tandama identified poor password management, failure to activate two-factor authentication, and outdated applications as common causes of account breaches.
He expressed concern over the low level of cybersecurity awareness among youths in Kano, warning that without proper security knowledge, the state’s young population could be left behind in the growing digital economy.
“Kano youths are barely paying attention to cyber threats,” he noted. “That’s why I’m calling on companies to invest in cybersecurity solutions to prevent data loss and fraud.”
The cybersecurity advocate appealed for stronger collaboration between the government and private organizations to host hackathons, capture-the-flag competitions, and awareness campaigns that would help young people understand and tackle threats in cyberspace.
Looking ahead, Tandama said his long-term goal is to expand the CyberSafe Youth Initiative’s impact to rural communities, ensuring that no group is left behind in the nation’s digital transformation.
“We want to reach rural areas, provide hands-on training, and empower young people with the skills they need to thrive securely in the digital world,” he said.
He also encouraged youths in Kano to explore opportunities in the cybersecurity industry, describing it as a fast-growing field where they can make meaningful contributions.
“Even free online courses can make a big difference,” he advised. “Kano youths should take advantage of every opportunity to gain practical cybersecurity skills.”
