The Kwara State Government has launched a Coding and Digital Literacy training programme for students in 50 public primary and junior secondary schools across the state.
The initiative, which was flagged off on Tuesday, is aimed at equipping young learners with digital skills to keep pace with the global technology revolution. It is spearheaded by the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital and Innovation, Hon. Ishola Kayode.
Speaking on behalf of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the launch event held at Bishop Smith Junior Secondary School, Ilorin, Senior Adviser and Counsellor to the Governor, Alhaji Sa’adu Salau, emphasized the administration’s commitment to enhancing education through digital investments.
“We are now faced with the reality of the digital revolution. What we have done today is to flag off the training for digital literacy in 50 schools across Kwara State. With this foundation, our children will not lag behind their counterparts globally,” Salau said.
The programme, which targets at least 150 students per school in the pilot phase, also launched at other public schools in Ilorin, including Queen Elizabeth School, Ilorin Grammar School, and Sheikh Alimi L.G.E.A Primary School.
Hon. Ishola stated that the initiative is designed to ensure that students in public schools are not left behind in the digital age.
“They should be digitally literate and capable of solving problems in their communities using technology. Without the right knowledge, they cannot effectively address modern challenges,” he said.
He explained that the selection of 50 schools was strategic, with 15 from Kwara Central, 13 from the North, and 22 from the South. The programme is expected to expand based on a data-driven assessment.
The Principal of Bishop Smith College (Junior Session), Mrs. Akanbi Janet Ayoola, described the project as one of the best decisions by the AbdulRazaq-led administration, noting that information technology and artificial intelligence have become essential in today’s world.
Students who spoke at the event, including Opadili Dorcas Boluwatife and Akinola Kolawole Abdulrahman, expressed gratitude to the government for the opportunity. They pledged to make the most of the training, which they believe will enable them to compete globally in the digital space.
