NITDA trains 790 youngsters in FCT, two states
…Gifts computers, tablets
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has trained 790 youngsters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Jigawa and Rivers State.
The training was done in collaboration with Future Map Foundation which was tagged STEM, centered on harnessing the digital opportunities in selected disciplines; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
The training lasted 10 days with kids between the ages of 12-16 from various schools in attendance.
The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, represented by Acting Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy, Dr. Aristotle Onumo speaking at the closing ceremony said Nigeria has numerous untapped talents and technology is the new driving force of any economy.
“Today, the world is driven by technology, and those who possess the knowledge and skills to harness it will lead the way. Nigeria has an abundance of talent, and by investing in STEM education from an early age, we can unlock our country’s potential and compete on the global stage,” the DG explained.
He noted that the STEM boot camp was the brain child of the Commission’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2021-2024).
SRAP, according to him, is aimed at intervening in the development of digital technology by supporting, promoting, and facilitating digital skills and literacy.
The DG encouraged the children to take advantage of the resources provided for them to achieve their dreams in life, citing on how he became a millionaire through his passion in technology.
He further buttressed on the importance of creativity, innovation and problem solving skill.
“These programmes also develop innovative solutions for adoption and use in every facet of national life. By 2030, the agency aims to achieve 95 per cent of Nigerians digitally literate population,” he said.
The STEM boot camp offered ranges of hands-on activities and workshops for the students to explore. From robotics through coding, and virtual reality, sparking their interest in the world of technology, to help them change the a narratives and break the barrier of limitation.
At the end of the ceremony, participants who demonstrated remarkable dedication and exceptional skills throughout the rigorous training program were rewarded with Computers and Tablets as tokens of recognition for their outstanding performance.
Certificates of achievement were equally awarded to all the 790 participants in the aforementioned states.
