Harnessing the Power of Social Media for Good Governance: CITAD’s Social Media for Accountability Training

In today’s digital age, social media has become more than just a tool for connection and entertainment, it is now a powerful platform for civic engagement, public discourse, and accountability. Recognizing this potential, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) launched the Social Media for Accountability Training as part of its broader goal to empower youth to become active participants in democratic governance.
Launched to train and equip thousands of young people across Nigeria, the initiative seeks to equip youth with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter (now X), Instagram, WhatsApp, and others to demand transparency and hold public officials accountable.
The training sessions, conducted both online and offline, cover a range of key topics including digital advocacy, responsible digital citizenship, content creation for civic engagement, online safety, fact-checking, and navigating government accountability mechanisms. Through interactive discussions, practical exercises, and real-life examples, participants learn how to transform social media into a force for positive change in their communities.
Since the commencement of the training, CITAD has successfully trained a total of 8,988 young people, including 3,182 females and 5,706 males from across the country. The initiative has drawn significant interest both within and outside Kano State. Participants in the online training component have joined from nearly all 36 states of Nigeria, highlighting the national relevance and appeal of the program.
On the ground, in-person trainings have been held in multiple locations within Kano State, including Rano, Kibiya, and Gaya Local Governmens, as well as in Jama’are, Itas, Bauchi, in Bauchi State, demonstrating the growing grassroots demand for capacity-building in digital accountability.
One remarkable success story came from Kunya town in Minjibir Local Government Area, where a community-based organization, Alhaji Jatau Islamic Centre formally requested CITAD to deliver a customized session specifically for women. This underscores the inclusive nature of the initiative and its ability to reach underserved groups, especially women in rural communities.
The ripple effect of this initiative is evident. Beyond just training numbers, CITAD has witnessed an increase in youth-led campaigns, social media advocacy, and digital storytelling aimed at exposing corruption and promoting good governance. Trained participants have taken to their social media platforms to question their representatives, track public projects, and create awareness about government responsibilities.
In addition, the success of the training has sparked collaborations with youth groups, civil society organizations, and community leaders who now see social media as a critical tool for civic participation.