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Students at the Nigeria TeenTech Mentorship Programme
By Nana Theresa Timothy
The Nigeria TeenTech Mentorship Programme, held at Government Secondary School Hwolshe, Jos, Plateau State, provided an impactful learning experience for secondary school students. Organized by the Child Protective Initiative Against Cybercrime and hosted by Delmwa Gogwim, the event focused on equipping teenagers with essential digital literacy skills, online safety awareness, and ethical technology use.
RELATED:Protecting Nigeria’s Future: 2024 Teen Cyber Awareness Report emphasises safety education.
The event featured a speech from the Honorable Commissioner for Science and Innovation, Hon. Dr. Cletus Bako Shurkuk, Plateau State, who encouraged students to take their education seriously.
As leaders of tomorrow, the educational foundation you’re receiving is vital. Take it seriously and use it to build a better future for yourselves and your community.”
The Dangers of Unwise Online Activities
Students were cautioned about their digital footprints. They were advised to be mindful of the content they post online because most employers conduct background checks on potential employees.
Your online presence matters. Be careful about what you post because it can affect your future career opportunities,” The SBTS CEO Mr. Lewis Said.
Encouraging Safe and Responsible Internet Use
The mentorship programme highlighted cyber safety and responsible internet usage. It urged students to stay cautious online, seek knowledge from credible sources, and avoid misleading information.
The programme stressed that technology is a powerful tool for positive impact, including legal ways to make money and advance careers. It also warned students about cybercrime, encouraged them to resist online fraud, and to use technology to solve problems rather than create them.
The internet is a vast world on its own, and young people must be careful about how they navigate it” Delmwa Gogwim, emphasized.
Free Tech Training Opportunities for Students
One of the event’s highlights was the opportunity at Blockfuse Labs, an organization that offers free programming and blockchain training for students interested in building a career in technology. Secondary school students were encouraged to enroll in the training program if they were passionate about coding, blockchain, and emerging technologies.
Mr. Sam Luka’s Inspiring Innovation Journey
Another key speaker, Mr. Sam Luka, founder of Zang Global Limited, shared his personal journey into innovation. He revealed that he initially wanted to develop a device that could record dreams but faced multiple challenges. Instead of giving up, he shifted his focus to power bank production and recycling.
I realized that many Nigerians are consumers rather than producers. I was challenged to create something instead of relying only on what others made. I failed several times, but I kept going until I succeeded.”
His message to the students was clear: Identify a problem, work towards a solution, and never give up. He reminded them that problem solvers are always valued and that innovation starts with a willingness to think beyond limitations.
Distinguished Speakers and Experts
The mentorship programme featured several notable speakers, including experts in technology, innovation, and business. Among them were:
- Hon. Dr. Cletus Bako Shurkuk
- Nentok Bako (P.A)
- Yakubu Nengak (S.A)
- Mr. Datong Dominic Gwaman – DG, Plateau Information Technology Development Agency (PICTDA)
- Mr. Evelyne Lewis-CEO SBTS
- Mr. Naankang Garba – Information Technology Analyst
- Laitu K. Haruna – Web3 Educator
- Zang Luka – Founder & CEO, Zang Global
- Mr. Fidelis K. Daboer
Conclusion
The Nigeria TeenTech Mentorship Programme successfully provided secondary school students with valuable insights into digital safety, ethical technology use, and innovation. The event highlighted the importance of problem-solving, online responsibility, and career development through technology.
