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Date: Monday, 16 February 2026
Venue: LT 1 Lecture Theater, Faculty of Social Sciences, ABU Zaria
Organizers: Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD)
Prepared by: Mujahid Ameen Lilo
Date of Submission: Thursday, 19 February 2026
1.Background
On 16 February 2026, the organization conducted a sensitization workshop at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, to introduce students to the concept of the Fediverse as a decentralized and privacy-focused alternative to mainstream social media platforms. The workshop aimed to promote awareness of digital freedom, data ownership, and online autonomy among university students.
2 .Objectives
The objectives of the workshop were to:
- To introduce participants to the concept and structure of the Fediverse.
- To support participants in creating and using dComms accounts.
- To raise awareness about digital privacy and date ownership.
- To identify and address challenges faced by users in migrating to dComms.
3.Workshop Proceedings
The team, led by Engr. Muhammad Bello arrived Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria at 9:30 AM and immediately reported to the Head of Sociology Department. The venue was set up and the workshop commenced with a welcome address delivered by the team lead after a brief delay caused by technical glitches.
This was followed by a presentation by Engr. Mubarak Shehu Dayyab on ‘Why Privacy Matters in 2026’ who set the tone by alerting the students on questions of data privacy and data ownership. Engr Yusuf Babagana took the participants on comparing the Fediverse with Big Tech, highlight the former’s decentralized nature and user-controlled data model.
A live demonstration was conducted by Engr. Suhail Sani to show participants how to create accounts on the CITAD server and navigate the Fediverse platform. His giveaway of N5,000 to the first student to register an account generated more interest and increased participation. An interactive question and answer session followed.
The event ended with the closing remarks of the Head of Department.
Mujahid moderated the workshop while Nazeem managed the registration and refreshments.
4.Participation
A total number of 163 student attendees in addition to the Dean of Social Science Faculty, Head of Sociology Department, and few other staff members.
A total number of 36 participants registered accounts.
5.Outcomes
The workshop increased awareness of decentralized social media alternatives among participants. Several attendees expressed interest in creating accounts. The event also opened opportunities for potential collaboration with student groups within the university.
