Politics
THE Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy has concluded its first-of-its-kind Build-A-Thon initiative in Owerri, Maiduguri, and Abeokuta.
The Strategic Communications Adviser to the Minister, Osibo Imhoitsike, made this known in a statement in Abuja.
Imhoitsike said that the programme was aimed at introducing senior secondary school students to embedded systems and maker culture.
He said the event, which was held across these cities marked a significant step forward in the Federal Government’s commitment to digital literacy and skill development
Imhoitsike said the event was organised in partnership with the UK-based NGO, Raspberry Pi Foundation and supported by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
According to him, the initiative aims to equip 1,500 students with skills needed to stimulate critical thinking and promote teamwork through dynamic technology collaboration.
“During the 4-day event which kicked-off on January 22, 2024, students engaged in hands-on learning experiences while learning skills such as the use of Raspberry Pi, embedded systems, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
“Beyond theoretical knowledge, the Build-A-Thon also provided a diverse learning ecosystem comprising technology labs, DIY boxes, and workshops.
“This multifaceted approach endowed students with practical insights and real-world applications of the skills they acquired during the programme,” Imhoitsike added.
He said some of the programmed prototypes built by the students were smart homes, speedboats, automated parking lots, heartbeat monitors, robotic hands designed for the disabled, and digital timer alarm systems.
Others were coin banks, electric car, smart doors, machines designed to alert the blind, deaf and mute when in danger, aircraft, bluetooth speakers, and various other innovative prototypes.
On the Demo Day, each contesting school presented their product prototypes for assessment, and outstanding students and teams were presented with awards for their efforts.
The results across the three states were as follows:
“In Owerri Comprehensive Secondary School, Avu won the ‘Best Overall Project’ for their prototype of a functional speedboat for recreational water activities.
“The school also had a rechargeable fan and light, serving as a dual-purpose solution for students studying at night.
“In Abeokuta, the United Comprehensive High School won the ‘Best Overall Project’ for their prototype of a smart home, targeted at solving a problem for people with disabilities.
“It will give them remote access to control their homes with adequate security measures in place.
“While in Maiduguri, Government Day Secondary School, Lamisula won the ‘Best Overall Project’ for a prototype of a Smart Home suitable for internally displaced persons.
“In the same vein, they also remodelled the newly constructed main flyover in Maiduguri Borno Express for easy movements of road users and commuters.”
Imhoitsike said that the success of the Build-A-Thon reinforced the ministry’s dedication to the growth and development of Nigeria’s digital economy in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking on the successful completion of the Build-A-Thon, Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, described the programme as the largest known Raspberry Pi makerthon.
Tijani further highlighted the broader impact of such initiatives, stating that the programme not only nurtures innovation but also aligns with the country’s commitment to digital education.
“We are very proud of the outcome of the Build-A-Thon which is the largest known Raspberry Pi makerthon.
“The innovative prototype projects created within four days by the participating schools serve to reinforce our belief that investing in the youth today will pave the way for a more technologically advanced and innovative Nigeria tomorrow.
”I am delighted to announce that this initiative seamlessly connects with our ongoing Code Clubs, a collaborative effort with the Raspberry Pi Foundation.
“These Code Clubs, spanning 17 locations in Nigeria, are part of a global movement dedicated to putting the power of computing and digital making into the hands of young minds worldwide,” he said.
Launching the programme in each state were dignitaries like Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Ogun state, Lawan Wakilbe, Borno state Commissioner for Education.
Others were Prof. John-Cliff Nwadike, the immediate past Commissioner for Education, Imo state and Dr Chimezie Amadi, immediate past Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-governance, Imo State;
The Commissioners commended the ministry for driving this initiative and admonished participants to use the new skills they had learnt. (NAN)
T.S
-January 31, 2024 @ 5:46 GMT|
Tags: Osibo Imhoitsike
