By 
By Emmanuel Fagbenle
The Plateau State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (PICTDA) is celebrating the graduation of its first cohorts of the ‘Code Plateau’ project producing 36 new software developers in the state.
The new developers from central Nigeria add to the growing list of critical skill sets that could drive Africa’s largest economy of over 200 million people as Abuja plugs into the digital economy.
The eight month project is part of a larger framework for digital inclusion and skill-building within the Silicon Plateau initiative by Governor Simon Lalong to rework the state’s economy and leverage global IT opportunities.
‘Code Plateau’ has proven to be a major success as companies have already begun calling for interviews across the country, said Director General, PICTDA, Mr Daser David.
At the graduation ceremony, many graduates shared their stories on how the initiative took them from scratch in programming, digital marketing, IT maintenance to the level of mastery and also providing job opportunity as they embark on the next phase of their lives.
According to Daser, the project is designed to build people with the skills to stand as entrepreneurs, solutions providers and a productive workforce in the country digital economy.
“The agenda of the rescue administration through the captain, Governor Simon Lalong is to see that youths are given the skills required to secure jobs and it is in our mandate to ensure that more ‘Code Plateau’ graduates get places” he added.
An impressed Commissioner, Science and Technology, Plateau State, Mr Gyang Musa commended PICTDA and its partners for making the state proud in their contributions towards ICT development advancement. He said ICT hold the ace for real development in the 21st century and is noteworthy that Governor has recognised this as the cornerstone of youths skill development.
