Just In : FG equips 1,500 students with tech skills
The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy has concluded its Build-A-Thon initiative aimed at introducing senior secondary school students to embedded systems and maker culture.
The event, which was held across three cities — Owerri, Maiduguri, and Abeokuta, forms part of the government’s commitment to improving digital literacy and skill development in the country.
The programme which was organised in partnership with Raspberry Pi Foundation, and supported by the Nigerian Communications Commission also equipped the 1,500 students with skills needed to stimulate critical thinking and promote teamwork.
Commenting on the completion of the programme in a statement, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, said, “We are very proud of the outcome of the Build-A-Thon which is the largest known Raspberry Pi makerthon.
“The innovative prototype projects created within four days by the participating schools serves to reinforce our belief that investing in the youth today will pave the way for a more technologically advanced and innovative Nigeria tomorrow.
“This Build-A-Thon not only nurtures innovation but also aligns with our commitment to digital education. I am delighted to announce that this initiative seamlessly connects with our ongoing Code Clubs, a collaborative effort with the Raspberry Pi Foundation. These Code Clubs, spanning 17 locations in Nigeria, are part of a global movement dedicated to putting the power of computing and digital making into the hands of young minds worldwide.”
Orgainsers of the event revealed that some of the programmed prototypes built by the students were smart homes, speedboats, automated parking lots, heartbeat monitors, robotic hands designed for the disabled, digital timer alarm systems, coin banks, electric car, smart doors, machines designed to alert the blind, deaf and mute when in danger, aircraft, Bluetooth speakers, and others.
They noted that the overall best project in Owerri went to Comprehensive Secondary School, Avu; in Abeokuta, it went to United Comprehensive High School; and in Maiduguri, Government Day Secondary School, Lamisula won the prize.
Earlier, The PUNCH reported the government launch of its Build-A-Thon programme.
