The Federal Government of Nigeria is calling on all Nigerian youths and IT enthusiasts to participate in the Economic Community of West Africa’s (ECOWAS) Cybersecurity Hackathon by registering for the Capture the Flag (CTF) competition. This event, aimed at empowering citizens across the region with vital cybersecurity skills, promises to be a significant opportunity for both beginners and seasoned professionals.
Organized by ECOWAS and hosted by Nigeria in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Cybersecurity Hackathon is set to be an exhilarating platform for showcasing talent and enhancing cybersecurity expertise.
“All talented individuals and teams are invited to join this exhilarating competition. Demonstrate your expertise, collaborate with peers, and push the boundaries of cybersecurity,” the Federal Government announced. “Be part of the talent pool driving cyberspace security for your country and West Africa as a whole.”
The hackathon is designed to foster young technology enthusiasts, enhancing the cyber workforce in the region. Nigerian youths are particularly encouraged to participate and demonstrate their skills in this competition. Whether a novice or an expert in cybersecurity, this event offers a unique opportunity to acquire new skills and connect with fellow cyber enthusiasts.
The ECOWAS Hackathon is an annual ethical hacking competition that brings together top cybersecurity talents from across ECOWAS. It provides a platform to showcase skills, encourage knowledge sharing, and promote excellence in the field of cybersecurity. The first edition took place in Porto Novo, Benin Republic in 2022, followed by Lome, Togo in 2023.
Eligibility and Registration Details:
- Registration Period: Open from July 19, 2024, to August 5, 2024.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- All participants must be citizens of ECOWAS member countries.
- Travel tickets will be provided for participants residing within the region.
- Teams must consist of 3-4 members, with at least one female participant.
- Participants must be between 17 and 35 years of age.
This initiative comes at a crucial time, as a recent report by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2) highlighted a global gap of four million unfilled cybersecurity jobs. In response, the Federal Government of Nigeria is addressing this talent shortage through its 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, organized by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. The programme aims to train three million Nigerians in technical skills, including cybersecurity.
Register Now:
Don’t miss this thrilling opportunity to be part of West Africa’s cybersecurity community. Registration for the ECOWAS Cybersecurity Hackathon is now open. Join this exciting Capture the Flag (CTF) competition by clicking the link below: https://ecowasctf.ng
