Ministry to equip 1,500 students with tech skills

The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy is set to launch a Build-A-Thon programme for 1,500 secondary school students.

According to a statement, the four-day programme will involve students from 150 schools across three locations namely, Owerri, Maiduguri, and Abeokuta. The organisers explained that a Build-A-Thon is an ecosystem offering various learning opportunities including DIY boxes, technology labs, and workshops to enhance students’ skills.

The event is to be held in collaboration with a United Kingdom based NGO, Raspberry Pi Foundation, and the Nigerian Communications Commission.

While speaking about the initiative, the Minister, Dr ‘Bosun Tijani, said, “We believe strongly that technology will play an important role in our growth as a nation; therefore, we are equipping the next generation with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the digital era.

“We are committed to raising more technologically aware adults, and only through initiatives such as this, where students learn in a structured environment, are we able to achieve that. We believe there are a lot of amazing minds in Nigeria who will do great things if given the opportunity, and that’s what we’re giving them—an opportunity.”

The organisers further noted that outstanding teams in different locations and categories will be recognised. The ministry added that by equipping students with essential skills and exposing them to the world of maker culture, the programme aims to inspire them to become innovators and problem-solvers.

Commenting on the initiative earlier, Tijani noted, “Our journey towards positioning Nigeria as the go-to-market for technical knowledge cannot be achieved without creating a knowledge pipeline that is represented by these young, impressionable minds,”

In 2023, the ministry announced it was seeking educators, teachers, and enthusiasts in Maiduguri, Owerri, and Abeokuta for its Build-A-Thon initiative programme.