The Nigerian Government through its Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, today commenced a “Build-A-Thon” programme across three states in the country. The aim is foster immersive learning and technological skill development among secondary school students. This education initiative, aptly tagged ‘Build-A-Thon,’ aims to provide an enriching experience for 1,500 secondary school students through a dynamic four-day program.
Commencing today and extending until January 25, 2024, the Build-A-Thon will engage students from 150 schools in Owerri, Maiduguri, and Abeokuta. The initiative is designed as an ecosystem that offers diverse learning opportunities, featuring DIY boxes, technology labs, and workshops to enhance students’ skills and foster critical thinking.
In collaboration with the United Kingdom-based NGO, Raspberry Pi Foundation, and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the program is structured to encourage teamwork and dynamic technology collaboration. The event will showcase the talent and creativity of participating students, emphasising the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving in a technology-driven era.
Outstanding teams from different locations and categories will receive recognition for achievements such as the Most Innovative Design, the Most Sustainable Project, and an award for the project with the most utility. The collaborative effort with Raspberry Pi Foundation and the NCC underscores the commitment to creating an environment where students can network, learn, and build innovative projects.
Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, emphasised the significance of nurturing a technologically aware generation during the launch. He highlighted the pivotal role technology plays in the nation’s growth and expressed the government’s commitment to equipping the next generation with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the digital era.
“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,” stated Dr. Tijani. “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.”
The Build-A-Thon represents yet another stride by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy towards advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. By instilling essential skills in students and exposing them to the dynamic world of maker culture, the program seeks to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers in line with the growth and development of Nigeria’s digital economy.
Build-A-Thon kicked off today, and is livestreaming via Zoom. Click on the link here https://youtube.com/watch?v=zSIK5JD8eJI… to join the event live on YouTube!
