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Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has emphasised the agency’s unwavering commitment to empowering young Nigerians by leveraging technology.
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“Today, the world is driven by technology, and those who possess the knowledge and skills to harness it will lead the way. Nigeria has an abundance of talent, and by investing in STEM education from an early age, we can unlock our country’s potential and compete on the global stage,” said Abdullahi at the closing ceremony of NITDA STEM Bootcamp for Kids organised by the agency in collaboration with Future Map Foundation,which brought together students between the ages of 12 – 16 from various schools in Jigawa state.
He said the 10-day training programme held simultaneously in Rivers, Jigawa, and the FCT to nurture children’s interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines while also exposing them to the endless |T
Technology had become the driving force behind global innovation and economic growth and its foundation is STEM necessitating early exposure of young people to STEM, the NITDA boss said. He was represented by acting Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy, Dr. Aristotle Onumo.
Adding: “I started as a young enthusiast like you, with a passion for technology. I became a millionaire while doing my mandatory youth service. Today, I have the privilege to lead NITDA, an agency dedicated to shaping the nation’s digital future. The power of technology is in your hands, and I implore you to explore it to the fullest.”
The NITDA boss further stressed the importance of creativity, innovation, and problem-solving, which he deemed essential skills for the future workforce, adding that the STEM Bootcamp offered a range of hands-on activities and workshops. Students had the chance to explore robotics, coding, and virtual reality, sparking their interest in the world of technology.
He noted that programmes like this, which falls under the digital literacy and skills pillar of NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2021-2024), intervene in the development of digital technology by facilitating digital skills and literacy.
Participants who demonstrated remarkable dedication and exceptional skills throughout the rigorous training program were rewarded with computers and tablets as tokens of recognition for their outstanding performance, while certificates of achievement were bestowed upon 790 beneficiaries, irrespective of their individual performance levels.
