FG Successfully Concludes Groundbreaking Tech-Learning Initiative Across Three Nigerian Cities
By: Emmanuel Ibitoye
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, has concluded its pioneering Build-A-Thon initiative. This innovative program took place in three key Nigerian cities—Owerri, Imo State; Maiduguri, Borno State; and Abeoku
The Build-A-Thon initiative, a collaborative effort with the UK-based NGO Raspberry Pi Foundation and supported by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), aimed to introduce senior secondary school students to embedded systems and maker culture. This endeavor underscores the government’s commitment to nurturing critical thinking and promoting teamwork through dynamic technology collaboration.
Over the course of four days, beginning on January 22, 2024, participating students engaged in hands-on learning experiences, delving into skills such as Raspberry Pi utilization, embedded systems, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The program went beyond theoretical knowledge, providing a diverse learning ecosystem encompassing technology labs, DIY boxes, and workshops.
Dignitaries, including Professor John-Cliff Nwadike, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, and Engineer Lawan Abba Wakilbe, graced the opening day in each state. They lauded the initiative and commended the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy for driving such a transformative program.
Reflecting on the successful completion of the Build-A-Thon program, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, expressed pride in the outcomes. He emphasized the program’s contribution to innovation and digital education, highlighting its alignment with ongoing Code Clubs, a collaborative initiative with the Raspberry Pi Foundation.
The students showcased an array of inventive prototypes on Demo Day, ranging from smart homes and speedboats to automated parking lots and healthcare solutions. Notable projects included a functional speedboat and rechargeable fan and light designed for nighttime studying, a smart home aiding individuals with disabilities, and a smart home prototype for internally displaced persons.
Recognizing outstanding achievements, awards were presented to winning schools. In Owerri, Comprehensive Secondary School, Avu, secured the ‘Best Overall Project’ for their innovative speedboat and dual-purpose fan and light prototype. In Abeokuta, United Comprehensive High School claimed the ‘Best Overall Project’ for their smart home solution for individuals with disabilities. Meanwhile, in Maiduguri, Government Day Secondary School, Lamisula, earned the ‘Best Overall Project’ for their Smart Home prototype catering to internally displaced persons.
Dr. Tijani concluded, stating that the Build-A-Thon not only fosters innovation but aligns seamlessly with the government’s commitment to digital education, providing a stepping stone for a more technologically advanced and innovative Nigeria.
