The Kwara State Government has trained no fewer than 200 school children from across the state on how to use artificial intelligence (AI) to think, create, and solve real-world problems.
The training, tagged “Future Minds Independence AI Bootcamp,” was organised in partnership with Digital Equity Africa and held from 1 to 5 October 2025.
Participants were drawn from both public and private primary and junior secondary schools across the state through a seamless selection process.
Speaking at the grand finale in Ilorin, the Managing Director of the Ilorin Innovation Hub, Mr Temi Kolawole, said the sponsorship of 200 pupils underscored the government’s commitment to promoting digital inclusion among young people.
Kolawole expressed delight at the creativity and innovation displayed by the children and expressed confidence in their potential.
“It is very impressive to see young kids under the age of 10 presenting the websites they built, showing storybooks they have written, and even playing music they requested AI to compose. If they can do this at this stage, we can imagine what they will achieve in the next five to ten years,” he said.
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He added that such exposure stimulates curiosity, innovation, and creativity among young learners.
Chief Executive Officer of Digital Equity Africa, Mrs Justina Nnam Oha, said the bootcamp was not just about teaching technology but also about shaping mindsets, nurturing innovation, and helping young people to see themselves as creators of the digital future rather than mere consumers of it.
She commended the Kwara State Government and the Ilorin Innovation Hub for their commitment to advancing digital literacy and inclusion in the state.
“Over the past few days, your children have explored the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence — learning how machines think, create, and solve real-world problems. They have collaborated, built, and imagined boldly, proving that the future truly belongs to those who are curious, courageous, and creative,” she said.
Mrs Oha also praised parents for supporting their children’s participation, noting that “the best investment you can make is in their minds. What you witnessed today are not just projects but seeds of transformation.”
Some of the participants, including Abdulkareem Khadijat, Ahmed Imam Ayodeji, and Aminat Akanbi, expressed appreciation to the state government and Digital Equity Africa for providing them with the opportunity to acquire digital skills and become AI-compliant.