The Kwara State Government on Wednesday launched a Coding and Digital Literacy training programme for at least 50 public primary and junior secondary schools across the state.
The programme was organised by the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital and Innovation, Mr Ishola Kayode.
Flagging off the programme on behalf of Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Senior Adviser and Counsellor to the Governor, Alh. Sa’adu Salau, said it aimed to strengthen education sector investments.
Salau noted the initiative targets over 150 students in each of the 50 schools for the pilot scheme.
“We are now faced with the reality of the digital revolution. Today marks the start of the digital literacy training in 50 Kwara schools.
“We hope to lay the foundation for a digital society, ensuring Kwara’s children are not left behind globally,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the pilot scheme includes schools like Bishop’s Smith Junior Secondary School, Ilorin Grammar School, and Sheikh Alimi L.G.E.A Primary School.
Ishola stated that the programme aims to prevent public school students from lagging behind in the digital world.
“It’s crucial they become digitally literate to solve community problems using technology. Without this knowledge, solving problems is impossible.
“The selection of 50 schools for the pilot includes 15 from Kwara Central, 13 from the North, and 22 from the South,” he said.
Ishola confirmed that the programme would expand after a data-driven assessment.
Mrs Akanbi Janet Ayoola, Principal of Bishop Smith College (Junior Session), praised the project as one of the best decisions for the era of technology and artificial intelligence.
Some students, including Opadili Boluwatife and Akinola Abdulrahman, commended the state government’s initiative.
They pledged to make the most of the opportunity to compete globally in the digital revolution.