The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has given reasons why it is nurturing children’s interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
Director-General of NITDA, Mal. Kashifu Inuwa, while speaking in Jigawa State at the closing ceremony of NITDA STEM Bootcamp for Kids organised in collaboration with Future Map Foundation, noted that nurturing children in STEM disciplines will expose them to the endless possibilities that digital technology offers.
“The significance of STEM in today’s world has become the driving force behind global innovation and economic growth, underlining the urgency for young Nigerians to embrace digital literacy to secure a prosperous future.
“Today, the world is driven by technology and those who possess the knowledge and skills to harness it will lead the way. Nigeria has an abundance of talent and by investing in STEM education from an early age, we can unlock our country’s potential and compete on the global stage,” said Inuwa.
The NITDA boss further stressed the importance of creativity, innovation, and problem-solving, which he deemed essential skills for the future workforce, adding that the STEM Bootcamp offered a range of hands-on activities and workshops. Students had the chance to explore robotics, coding, and virtual reality, sparking their interest in the world of technology.
Meanwhile, at the similar STEM Bootcamp for Kids closing ceremony in Abuja, Inuwa, represented by Acting Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy, Dr. Aristotle Onumo stated that with Information and Communications Technology (ICT) tools available kids’ fingertips, they will prepare to change the narrative and break barriers that hinder them from making progress towards actualising their dreams.
He said the training will enable the children to be conversant with emerging technologies, enhance creativity, innovation and the intellectual capabilities to be great in proffering solutions to problems, especially now that digital technologies have no barrier in age, gender, and experience.
Participants who demonstrated remarkable dedication and exceptional skills throughout the rigorous training program were rewarded with Computers and Tablets as tokens of recognition for their outstanding performance, while Certificates of achievement were bestowed upon 790 beneficiaries, irrespective of their individual performance levels.