Library Internet Governance Ambassadors Program

Host: Sylvester Ebhonu

Country: Nigeria

“Think Before You Click” workshop at Federal Government Girls College, Ibusa, Nigeria

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and UNICEF have repeatedly described the 21st century as the digital and social media age, one defined by unprecedented connectivity, platforms, and access to information. While the internet has brought immense benefits in learning, communication, and innovation, it has also led to a growing rise in internet fraud, security breaches, online risks, and sexual crimes. The safety of young people, especially young girls have become a critical aspect of student welfare in today’s digital society.

Sylvester Ebhonu’s “Think Before You Click” project was designed to address this reality by providing students of Federal Government Girls College, (FGGC) Ibusa, with practical knowledge on digital safety and the ethical use of the internet.

Sylvester Ebhonu, a Librarian at the Admiralty University of Nigeria (ADUN) is one of the 19 participants across 7 African countries of the 2025 cohort of the Library Internet Governance Ambassadors Program. He facilitated collaboration between the ADUN Library and Federal Government Girls College, Ibusa, to conceptualize an internet safety awareness initiative that reached 96 secondary school girls. The project focused on promoting responsible internet use, digital safety, and awareness of internet governance issues, with particular attention to young people.

The event, supported by Mr. Victor Damut of the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences (FUMHS), Kwale, took place on December 13, 2025, and recorded strong curiosity and active engagement among students. Participants asked thoughtful questions about how the internet works, the dangers of careless online behaviour, online scams, cyberbullying, misinformation, digital footprints, and practical steps for staying safe online. Special emphasis was placed on helping students understand that online actions leave lasting digital footprints, and that online safety is closely linked to personal responsibility.

One of the highlights of the programme was a fun, gamified quiz session that tested students’ understanding of the concepts discussed. The quiz generated excitement and healthy competition, with outstanding participants rewarded with cash prizes and books generously provided by the facilitator.

At the end of the session, students shared thoughtful and inspiring feedback. They expressed a clearer understanding of online risks and a commitment to making more responsible choices when using the internet going forward.

The Library Internet Governance Ambassadors Program serves as a strategic channel through which Library Aid Africa empowers library leaders in African countries to support digital inclusion, online safety, and responsible internet governance across communities. By working through libraries and librarians, the programme is closing knowledge gaps to ensure that critical digital safety conversations reach young people where they are.