Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-09 04:00:28
The federal government recently reaffirmed its dedication to digital literacy and skill development through the Build-A-Thon initiative organized by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. This initiative was designed to introduce senior secondary school students to embedded systems and maker culture and took place in three Nigerian cities: Owerri, Maiduguri, and Abeokuta.
During the four-day event which ran simultaneously in all locations, students were able to participate in hands-on learning experiences and acquire skills such as the use of Raspberry Pi, embedded systems, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The initiative was organized in partnership with the UK-based NGO Raspberry Pi Foundation and was supported by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), with the aim of equipping 1,500 students with the skills needed to stimulate critical thinking and promote teamwork through dynamic technology collaboration.
One of the key elements of the Build-A-Thon initiative was the provision of a diverse learning ecosystem comprising technology labs, DIY boxes, and workshops. This multifaceted approach allowed students to gain practical insights and real-world applications of the skills they acquired during the program.
Commenting on the initiative, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, emphasized that the Build-A-Thon nurtures innovation and aligns with the government’s commitment to digital education. He expressed his pride in the outcome of the Build-A-Thon, which resulted in the creation of the largest known Raspberry Pi makerthon. The innovative prototype projects created within four days by the participating schools reinforced the belief that investing in the youth today will pave the way for a more technologically advanced and innovative Nigeria tomorrow.
Dr. Tijani also announced the seamless connection between the Build-A-Thon initiative and the ongoing Code Clubs, a collaborative effort with the Raspberry Pi Foundation. These Code Clubs, located in 17 sites across Nigeria, are part of a global movement dedicated to putting the power of computing and digital making into the hands of young minds worldwide.
The students involved in the Build-A-Thon program developed a wide range of innovative prototypes, including smart homes, speedboats, automated parking lots, heartbeat monitors, robotic hands designed for the disabled, digital timer alarm systems, coin banks, electric cars, smart doors, and machines designed to alert the blind, deaf, and mute when in danger. These creative projects highlight the potential of the students and their ability to apply the skills they have acquired.
In Owerri, Comprehensive Secondary School, Avu, won the ‘Best Overall Project’ for their prototype of a functional speedboat for recreational water activities and a rechargeable fan and light, serving as a dual-purpose solution for students studying at night.
The Build-A-Thon initiative has not only provided students with valuable skills and real-world applications but has also showcased their potential to innovate and create solutions that address real-life challenges. The federal government’s commitment to digital literacy and skill development is evident through initiatives such as these, which aim to prepare the youth for a technologically advanced and innovative future in Nigeria.
