An Information Technology (IT) expert, Mr Daniel Chinagozi has advocated for online safety education to promote safe practices among young people on the internet in the country.
Chinagozi who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Innovation Growth Hub (IGHUB), made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Aba.
He said that online safety education could not be overlooked by policymakers, schools, parents, and the larger society because its success would determine the progress a society made on the internet.
The IT technologist noted that online safety education aims at sufficiently exposing young people to knowledge, skills and competencies that would enable them to use internet resources in a safe and responsible manner.
“The teaching and learning of Online Safety in primary and secondary schools are very important to the future of Nigeria as a nation that has integrated IT into various aspects of life.
“This is because teaching the subject should help learners identify internet contents, links and sites that are not safe and could damage their lives and those of their families members
“It enables learners to identify online contents and platforms that are unlawful and injurious to society.
“It will also provide opportunities for learners to acquire and practice basic knowledge, skills and competencies for safe internet use.
“It further enhances learner’s capacity to effectively use the internet for personal, educational and societal advancement,” he said.
Chinagozi disclosed that IGHUB was working in partnership with the Public-Private Development Centre (PPDC) and Google on the implementation of the Online Safety Project for primary and secondary schools in the country.
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He said that in line with the implementation plans, IGHUB was offering teachers “a one-day free Online Safety Training to enhance their knowledge and leverage the many possibilities of the web”.
Chinagozi added that such training exercise would help teachers to understand the concept of online safety and to enable them to pass it down to their pupils and students.
According to him, the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) had sought the support of stakeholders to spearhead the move for Online Safety Education in the country.
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