The Kwara State Free Summer Coding and Digital Literacy Boot Camp (2024 edition) came to an end on Wednesday, with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq restating his administration’s commitment to talent discovery and investment in youth development.

The programme was organized by the office of the Special Assistant on Digital Innovations, Hon Kayode Ishola, and had taken place during the school holiday in 6 different centres across the state.

These centers include Ansarul Islam School, Gure, Baruten LGA and Etsu Maman Junior School, Batapon both in Edu LGA; Queen Elizabeth School, Ilorin (Ilorin West); Government Secondary School Afon (Asa); Offa Grammar School, Offa (Offa) and Government Secondary School Omu-Aran in Irepodun LGA respectively.

At the closing ceremony in Ilorin, Governor AbdulRazaq expressed his joy and satisfaction with what he called a brilliant performance by the participants, especially during the exhibition stage.

He said the session further signals there is hope for a better future of Nigeria especially in the digital space.

“This is the first free digital coding programme for the students to display their talent like this, it is really amazing and I must commend the office of the Special Assistant on Digital Innovation for this laudable initiative”, The Governor said.
through the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, who represented him.

He said his administration will continue to create an enabling environment for youth development and talent discovery with a view to producing youth with global citizenship.

The ceremony featured prize presentations for the outstanding students and colourful exhibitions by the participants on google template, software development, budget planner, and traffic light system built from scratch, among other projects.

Dignitaries at the event included a member of Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon Rukayat Motunrayo Shittu; Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon Usman Lade; Commissioner for Environment, Hon Nafisat Buge; Special Adviser on Education, Dr Adetola Salahu; Special Assistant to the Governor on Humanitarian Affairs, Hon Abdulateef Adebara; dozens of students and teachers as well as parents of the participants.

Dr Adetola, for her part, described the programme as a laudable initiative aimed at promoting youth development in the digital space.

She urged the participants to make good use of the knowledge they have gained during the coding class.

Hon Kayode Ishola, in his remarks, said the programme showcases the immense potential of the youth and the boundless opportunities that digital literacy and technology can unlock.

“In a world where the language of innovation is code, and where the future is shaped by technology, we must equip our young people with the tools they need to compete on a global scale,” he said.

“The importance of digital skills acquisition cannot be overstated. It is the foundation upon which the future of work, communication, and creativity will be built. By providing our youth with the skills to innovate, create, and problem-solve, we are preparing them not only for careers in technology but also for leadership in every sector of society.”

He commended the visionary leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who he said is committed to building a Kwara that is powered by innovation and technology.

He also appreciated the contributions and support of various MDAs, organizations, partners, and individuals who made immense contributions to the success of the programme.

“This administration recognizes that the future belongs to those who can harness the power of technology, and it is laying the groundwork for a state where young people are not just consumers of technology but creators and innovators,” he said.

“Under the leadership of Governor AbdulRazaq, Kwara is fast becoming a state where our students, even at the secondary school level, are being empowered with digital skills that will enable them to compete favourably with their peers across the globe.”

The keynote speakers, Prof Abiodun Musa Aibinu, who is the Vice Chancellor, Summit University, Offa and Co-founder CyBlack, Dr Iretioluwa Akerele, in their separate submissions, stressed the need for youth to harness the digital space in order to become global citizens.