As part of a move to enhance digital literacy and empower young technology enthusiasts, Ondo state government on Monday launched a free summer holiday boot camp to train about 120 students of secondary schools in digital skills.
The boot camp which is designed to equip students with essential digital skills, preparing them for the digital future is open to all students in public secondary schools between the ages of 10 and 18 across Ondo state.
Speaking while declaring the one week programme, tagged ‘Build-A-thon holiday boot camp’ open at the Public Service Training Institute, Ilara Mokin, the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, identified Information and Communications Technology (ICT) as a critical tool for economic growth, innovation and social development.
Aiyedatiwa who was represented by his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, said there is dire need for the training of students on digital technology and elementary IT skills, in order to expose them to the global integration space.
He said his administration will continue to work with relevant government agencies and the private sector to ensure the youths in the state are equipped with digital skills to enable them compete globally.
He said the boot camp, codenamed ‘build-a-thon’, is an initiative of the federal government through the ministry of communications, innovation and digital economy.
According to the Governor, “this boot camp program will help to promote digital literacy and empower young technology enthusiasts.
“It will also inspire new generation of entrepreneurs in the technology ecosystem while providing a conducive environment to explore new field of ICT technology, foster innovation and engender a workplace that unites developers, designers and entrepreneurs.”
He said the objective of the four day immersive training is to lay the foundation for further digital training for the young students.
He commended President Tinubu for his “purposeful leadership” which he said has manifested in the area of ICT and digital skills acquisition, particularly the build-a-thon.
“This programme is more than just a boot camp, it is a launchpad for our students to become ICT natives.”
The Commissioner for Education, Mr. Laolu Akindolire described the training as a launchpad for the participants to become ICT natives in the rapid changing world.
Akindolire said the state government is on the right track in upskilling its teachers with digital skills.
He also commended the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) for the training, saying technology is at the forefront especially now that artificial intelligence is contributing immensely to the world’s economic growth.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on ICT, Hon. Tomide Akinribido said the objective of the training is to ensure that every student who goes through the program is inspired to develop interest in the field of technology.
Akinribido, whose agency, SITA, is coordinating the build-a-thon, commended the federal ministry of communications, innovation and digital economy for the milestone.
He said SITA is currently positioned to implement Governor Aiyedatiwa’s agenda for the young people with respect to digital skills acquisition, among many other initiatives.
“Introducing young ones to digital literacy and IT skills at secondary school levels indicates that the state is laying a good foundation for a purposeful future and preparing the ground for the next generation of tech leaders and innovators.”
Dignitaries at the occasion include the Permanent Secretary, State Information Technology Agency (SITA) Dr (Mrs) Folukemi Aladenola, Permanent Secretary, PSTI, Dr Sesan Asere, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Folashade Adegoke represented by Mr. Francis Omooluwa.
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