At NiRA, advocacy is at the heart of what we do. A key part of our efforts is ensuring that no one is left behind as regards digital adoption in Nigeria
We are committed to engaging every demographic, helping them understand how building an online presence is pivotal in today’s digital age.
One of the ways we consistently drive this mission forward is through strategic partnerships with like-minded organizations, agencies, and institutions. It is on this foundation that NiRA partnered with and sponsored Techbreeze by Techpression, which is a campus tour initiative focused on digital innovation and the roles students can play in shaping the future.
The latest edition of Techbreeze was held at Ajayi Crowther University in Oyo State, attracting over 300 students. The event aimed to bridge the knowledge gap between what students currently know and the expansive opportunities available within the digital economy. Discussions centered around helping students see how they can participate meaningfully and take advantage of digital innovation.
The event opened with remarks from university representatives, highlighting how timely and necessary conversations around digital innovation are for students today.
During the session, Bimbo Aderibigbe, NiRA’s Registrar Relationship Manager, delivered an insightful talk on the importance of owning an online presence through a .ng domain name. She emphasized how a personalized website can help students build credibility and take ownership of their digital identities, which is critical in an era where social media accounts alone do not guarantee autonomy or permanence.
She also introduced students to .ng Academy’s Reseller Entrepreneurship Program, an initiative that provides an opportunity to make money online by becoming domain resellers, leading to over 100 students signing up.
Following her session, Oluwatoni Peter, Social Media Officer at NiRA, participated in a panel discussion focusing on the importance of digital identity for the younger generation. She explained that having a digital identity begins with simple online activities—such as having a Google account or social media profile—which contribute to an individual’s digital footprint.
However, she posed an important question to the students: How are you taking advantage of being online?
She highlighted that many students are already building personal brands on social media without realizing that ownership is crucial. Unlike social media accounts controlled by third-party platforms, having a personal website on a .ng domain gives students full control over their digital identities and portfolios.
Oluwatoni also discussed the importance of data management online, advising students to be mindful about the information they share. She further outlined how a strong digital identity tied to a personal website could open doors to career opportunities, entrepreneurship, and global visibility.
Beyond establishing a personal online presence, Oluwatoni encouraged students to actively participate in the internet ecosystem through volunteering.
Also, being involved in youth-led advocacy groups such as the Nigeria Youth Internet Governance Forum (NYIGF) and the Internet Society Nigeria Chapter (ISOC NG), could give students access to mentorship, professional networks, and even sponsorships to attend prestigious international conferences like ICANN meetings, the Africa Internet Governance Forum, and Nigeria Internet Governance Forum (NIGF) events.
The discussion also emphasized the urgent need for students to acquire the right type of digital skills. In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, it is no longer enough to simply participate; young people must be equipped with practical, future-oriented skills that empower them to actively shape the future of the internet and Nigeria’s digital economy. She highlighted how initiatives like the .ng Academy are designed to provide this essential upskilling, offering students the tools they need to build meaningful, impactful careers in the digital space.
We had over 150 students registered with the .ng Academy to participate in the Reseller Entrepreneurship Program and other digital skills training sessions!
We were also joined by one of our accredited registrars, Afees Host, who facilitated on-ground domain name registrations and website hosting — helping students take their first steps into the online business world.
Catch up with us at the next edition of Techbreeze at Bowen University.
Collaborations like these are critical because they enable NiRA and its partners to engage the right audience—young, tech-savvy individuals—at a pivotal stage in their development. By connecting with students early, NiRA helps lay a strong foundation for a more inclusive, digitally literate, and economically empowered Nigeria.