*Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, says equipping the young students with Artificial Intelligence, coding, and robotics skills in collaboration with FCT UBEB is a significant step towards building a digitally empowered society

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

In a move to stimulate creativity and problem-solving skills in young Nigerians, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT UBEB) are collaborating to ignite a digital revolution in schools in Abuja, FCT.

绿帽献妻 reports NITDA disclosed the groundbreaking partnership would see 24 promising young minds from six FCT schools immerse themselves in a two-week intensive training programme focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Coding, and Robotics.

The Information Technology (IT) sector regulatory agency noted the third edition of the “Reality House” competition, designed to stimulate creativity and problem-solving would host a dynamic group of 54 individuals.

These include three students and a teacher from each of the eight schools, plus a 12-person support team, said NITDA.

Mrs. Hadiza Umar, fnipr, f.apra, mcipr, Director of Corporate Affairs and External Relations at NITDA Friday, August 16, 2024, stated that the programme, set to commence Saturday, August 17.

Umar said also emphasised the competition aims to cultivate a new generation of tech-savvy problem solvers in the West African country.

The agency noted the participants, drawn from JSS Tudun Fulani, JSS Narai Karu, JSS Karu, JSS Kubwa 1, JSS Abaji, JSS Kekeshi, JSS Dutse Alhaji 2, and JSS Pyakasa, would compete in a reality house TV show-style competition, culminating in a head-to-head debate showcasing their newly acquired skills.

“This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu鈥檚 Renewed Hope Agenda of accelerating diversification through industrialisation, digitalisation, creative arts, manufacturing and innovation and NITDA鈥檚 pillar of fostering digital literacy and creating a pipeline of tech talent,” said the Director of Corporate Affairs and External Relations.

According to the IT sector regulator, NITDA鈥檚 Strategic Action and Roadmap Plan (SRAP) 2.0, which targets 70 percent digital literacy by 2027, is central to this partnership.

Speaking on the initiative, Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of NITDA, was quoted to have said:

“By equipping these young students with AI, coding, and robotics skills, we are investing in the future of Nigeria.

“This collaboration with FCT UBEB is a significant step towards building a digitally empowered society.鈥�

The agency said the programme would not only enhance students鈥� academic performance, but also instill essential life skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Winners will be rewarded with cash prizes and continued mentorship from NITDA and FCT UBEB, stated Mrs. Umar.

Previous editions of the reality show have yielded impressive results, including increased school enrollment, and a growing interest in ICT among students and educators, she added.

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