Last Updated on 20 July 2024 by Naijadazz
The Nigerian federal government is encouraging its youth to apply for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) cybersecurity hackathon, an initiative aimed at empowering the region’s citizens in the field of cybersecurity.
Event Details and Organizers
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) announced that the Capture the Flag (CTF) competition is being organized by ECOWAS and hosted by Nigeria. This event is a collaborative effort involving the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and NITDA.
Opportunity for Skill Development
NITDA emphasized that this program offers an excellent opportunity for both beginners and experienced professionals to:
- Immerse themselves in the world of cybersecurity
- Acquire new skills
- Network with fellow cybersecurity enthusiasts
Rewards and Objectives
While specific rewards for participants have not been disclosed, ECOWAS highlighted the following objectives on the hackathon’s website:
- Demonstrating expertise in cybersecurity
- Collaborating with peers
- Advancing the boundaries of cybersecurity knowledge
- Contributing to the security of cyberspace for Nigeria and West Africa
- Enhancing the cyber workforce in the region
- Providing a platform for young technology enthusiasts
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in the competition, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Citizenship: Must be citizens of ECOWAS member countries
- Team Composition: Teams should consist of 3-4 members, with at least one female participant encouraged
- Age: Participants must be between 17 and 35 years old
- Registration Period: July 18 to August 5, 2024
Note: Travel tickets will only be provided for participants residing within the ECOWAS region.
Addressing the Cybersecurity Talent Gap
This initiative comes at a crucial time, as Nigeria faces a significant shortage of cybersecurity experts despite an increase in cyberattacks. Key points to consider:
- Global Shortage: The International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2) reports a global gap of 4 million cybersecurity jobs.
- Nigeria’s Position: Nigeria has one of the lowest numbers of cybersecurity experts worldwide.
- Government Initiative: The Nigerian government is addressing this shortage through its 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, which aims to train 3 million Nigerians in technical skills, including cybersecurity.
This ECOWAS hackathon presents a valuable opportunity for Nigerian youth to contribute to closing the cybersecurity talent gap while developing crucial skills for the digital age.
