Technology and digital inclusion advocacy organisation, TechHer, has sensitised students of Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, on the importance of digital consent, online privacy and responsible internet use as part of efforts to promote safer digital spaces.
The awareness programme, tagged Coffee & Circumvention, was organised with support from Luminate and brought together students for interactive discussions on digital trust, online behaviour and responsible technology use.
Speaking at the event, TechHer’s Digital Literacy and Education Officer, Ugochi Ihe, said digital literacy goes beyond learning how to use technology and encompasses critical thinking, ethical decision-making and responsible online engagement.
She commended the university management for supporting initiatives that prepare students to navigate the opportunities and challenges of an increasingly digital world.
“We are grateful to the management of Dennis Osadebay University for recognising that digital literacy extends beyond knowing how to use technology. It is about developing the critical thinking, ethical judgment and practical skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex digital world,” she said.
Ihe urged students to rethink the concepts of trust and safety in digital spaces, noting that online safety is no longer limited to protecting passwords or avoiding scams, but also involves fostering respectful online interactions and safeguarding personal information.
Responding to questions from participants on the balance between freedom of expression and protection from online abuse, she explained that accountability is essential to creating inclusive and safe digital communities.
“Digital citizenship is not simply about having access to technology; it is about exercising sound judgment and empathy. Freedom of expression and accountability are not opposing values; they work together to ensure our digital spaces remain open and safe for everyone,” she said.
Ihe also addressed concerns about digital consent, stressing that permission to share personal or intimate content with a trusted individual does not extend to its redistribution or use beyond the agreed purpose.
“Consent is contextual, informed and ongoing. The moment those boundaries are crossed, it becomes non-consensual and constitutes technology-facilitated gender-based violence,” she said.
Participants also took part in Digital Permission Bingo, an interactive exercise facilitated by TechHer’s Communications Officer, Jemimah Inyangudo.
The activity exposed students to the privacy implications of granting mobile applications access to personal data such as location, contacts, cameras and microphones, while encouraging them to make informed decisions about app permissions.
Inyangudo described digital safety as a continuous responsibility rather than a one-time lesson.
“Digital safety is not a one-time lesson; it is a lifelong practice. Every choice we make online, whether respecting someone’s privacy, questioning suspicious content, seeking consent before sharing information or speaking up against abuse, contributes to the kind of internet we all experience,” she said.
She encouraged participants to view digital literacy as a means of protecting their identities and shaping positive online interactions.
Students who attended the session said the programme had broadened their understanding of online safety.
A Computer Science student, Agweye, said the discussion helped him realise that responsible online communication is as important as cybersecurity.
Another participant, Rosaline, said the conversation on digital consent changed her perception of sharing personal content online, while Jude, a 200-level student, said the Digital Permission Bingo exercise made him more conscious of his digital footprint and privacy.
The event also introduced participants to TechHer’s Digital Champions Initiative, a youth empowerment programme that equips young people with digital skills while supporting market women to adopt digital tools for improved economic participation.
TechHer said the initiative reflects its commitment to promoting digital inclusion and empowering young Nigerians with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the digital space safely and responsibly.
