By The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), said it is taking its campaign on digital literacy to out-of-school children across Nigeria.
“We are developing programmes in partnership with various stakeholders to attract these children through incentives like school feeding, coupled with digital literacy and other educational training”, said the Director General of NITDA, Mr Kashifu Inuwa.
According to him, the multifaceted approach will ensure that children are not only fed but also equipped with essential digital skills that will pave the way for a more inclusive and technologically proficient future.
Inuwa who dropped the news when he hosted a delegation from the Head-to-Head Debate Committee of FCT UBEB led by its Ag. Executive Chairman, Dr Alhassan Sule, emphasised the importance of integrating technology into education to capture the interest and potential of young people.
Represented by the agency’s Director of the Information Technology Infrastructure Solutions (ITIS) department, Mr Oladejo Olawumi, said, “Children today, often referred to as digital natives, intuitively use technology and unlike us, who are digital migrants, these children seamlessly adapt to new gadgets and platforms. Therefore, it is essential to embed digital knowledge in their learning environment.”
The Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Educational Board (FCT-UBEB) was at the Agency to seek collaboration towards revolutionising the way young Nigerians engage with technology and equipping them with necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
He added that the Digital Literacy for All programme is a national initiative of the agency which is designed to extend digital education resources to all corners of the country.
He said, “I think we can work together in this area and make sure that Robotics interest is geared up among the youth.”
In his earlier remark, Dr Sule commended the agency for their various strategic initiatives to ensure a sustainable digitally transformed economy in the country.
While stating that the head-to-head committee is saddled with the responsibility of conducting the FCT Basic Schools debate competition, he noted that 900 students in the FCT will contest in a debate.
He said that finalists from the competition will be moved to a reality house which will be aired live on different media platforms where they will be trained on AI and Robotics.
