Technological Literacy Gains in Digital Literacy Programmes for Senior Citizens in Lagos: A Methodological Framework

In Nigeria, digital literacy programmes for senior citizens in Lagos aim to bridge the technological divide, enhancing their access to information and communication technologies (ICTs). However, limited empirical research exists on the effectiveness of these programmes. We employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative pre- and post-programme assessments with qualitative interviews of participants and facilitators. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics to measure technological gains and thematic analysis to uncover themes related to community involvement. Participants demonstrated significant improvements in digital literacy skills (mean improvement score: 45%), indicating substantial learning outcomes from the programmes. Community engagement levels varied, with a notable theme of informal support networks fostering continued participation. The mixed-methods framework successfully captured both quantitative and qualitative dimensions of programme impact, providing insights into effective strategies for senior citizens' digital literacy development in Lagos. Further research should focus on replicating these findings across different age groups and regions to validate the approach's generalizability. Policy recommendations include integrating community support structures into future programmes. Model estimation used $\hat{\theta}=argmin_{\theta}\sum_i\ell(y_i,f_\theta(x_i))+\lambda\lVert\theta\rVert_2^2$, with performance evaluated using out-of-sample error.