FG to launch build-a-thon programme for 1,500 students
By Blessing Emmanuel, Abuja
The Federal Government has disclosed that it will be launching a build-a-thon programme that will involve 1,500 secondary school students from across the country.
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani made this know noting that initiative, aimed at fostering technological skills and knowledge, will take place in collaboration with the Raspberry Pi Foundation, a United Kingdom-based NGO, and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The Build-A-Thon programme is designed to provide a unique ecosystem for learning, offering diverse opportunities such as DIY boxes, technology labs, and workshops. The participating students, hailing from 150 schools across three locations—Owerri, Maiduguri, and Abeokuta—will be immersed in a structured environment to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Dr ‘Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, emphasised the pivotal role of technology in the nation’s growth. In a statement, he expressed the ministry’s commitment to equipping the next generation with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the digital era.
“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,” Dr Tijani stated.
He highlighted the importance of initiatives like the Build-A-Thon in fostering technologically aware adults and providing students with a structured learning environment.
The collaborative effort with the Raspberry Pi Foundation and the Nigerian Communications Commission signifies a strategic approach to building a knowledge pipeline in Nigeria. The organisers aim to recognize outstanding teams in different locations and categories, fostering a spirit of innovation and problem-solving among the students.
Reflecting on the initiative’s broader impact, Dr Tijani said, “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 a previous announcement in 2023, the ministry had called for educators, teachers, and enthusiasts in Maiduguri, Owerri, and Abeokuta to participate in the Build-A-Thon initiative programme. As the event unfolds, it promises to inspire the next generation of innovators and contribute to Nigeria’s role as a hub for technical knowledge.
