By Seun Adams
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi, said the capacity development programme for 178 Nigerian youth s is to upscale their global competitiveness in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and in Emerging Technologies in tandem with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) of the Federal Government.
The DG who spoke during the conclusion of the 10-Days Stem Bootcamp for Kids (SB4Kids) initiative which held on Friday in Abuja, admitted that there is no doubt that the capacity development initiative has positively impacted on their technological know- how.
According to him the agency will continued to play its critical role in assisting and encouraging young technophiles across the country.
According to the NITDA boss there is a need for a new strategy and innovative approaches to STEM education, such as the introduction of Artificial intelligence (AI), Robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and other emerging technologies in the country.
He said: “The STEM Bootcamp for Kids (SB4Kids) is part of NITDA’s effort towards implementing the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), particularly the NDEPS’s pillar –Digital Literacy and Skills.
“We are all aware that the Nigerian government is committed to transforming the education system to improve the quality of our graduates to provide a secure future for all our citizens.
“The government’s vision places education at the heart of the development of the citizenry and future economic success.
“Skilled NCAIR members took them through various technologies, on a journey requiring critical thinking and a high sense of curiosity in the world of science and digital technologies.
“For, we at NITDA believe that the early involvement of youngsters in technology and innovation will accelerate the development of the technology sector and create future technology leaders who will transform the Nigerian technology space and boost the Nigerian Digital Economy”, the DG, said.
