Build-A-Thon: Ministry concludes Tech-Learning Initiative in 3 states

The Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy has successfully concluded its groundbreaking Build-A-Thon initiative in three major cities in Nigeria – Owerri, Maiduguri, and Abeokuta.

The Strategic Communications Adviser to the Minister, Osibo Imhoitsike, made this known in a statement in Abuja.

The event, organised in collaboration with the UK-based NGO Raspberry Pi Foundation and with support from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), stands as a pioneering initiative. Its unique focus is on empowering and engaging young Nigerians in the dynamic realms of technology and innovation.

#BuildAThon2024: Ministry Successfully Concludes Tech-Learning Initiative in Owerri, Maiduguri, and Abeokuta. https://t.co/nRJ841Mpvc

— Fed. Min. of Comms, Innovation & Digital Economy (@FMCIDENigeria) January 29, 2024

Imhoitsike emphasized that the event, spanning across multiple cities, marks a substantial stride in the Federal Government’s dedication to promoting digital literacy and skill development. He further highlighted that the program’s objective is to acquaint high school students with embedded systems and foster an understanding of the maker culture.

According to him, the initiative is geared towards empowering 1,500 students with the essential skills to foster critical thinking and encourage teamwork through dynamic collaboration in technology.

“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 mentioned that the students created prototypes such as smart homes, speedboats, automated parking lots, heartbeat monitors, robotic hands for the disabled, digital timer alarm systems, coin banks, electric cars, smart doors, alert systems for the blind, deaf, and mute, aircraft, Bluetooth speakers, and other innovative projects.

Demo Day

During the Demo Day event, every participating school showcased their product prototypes for evaluation. This platform provided an opportunity for students to demonstrate their hard work and innovation. Exceptional individuals and teams were recognized and honoured with awards to acknowledge their remarkable achievements and contributions.

Also Read: Communications ministry empowers 1,500 students with tech skills

Results across the states

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.

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.

Maiduguri: Government Day Secondary School, Lamisula, won the ‘Best Overall Project’ for a prototype of a Smart Home suitable for internally displaced persons. They also remodelled the newly constructed main flyover in Maiduguri Borno Express for easy movements of road users and commuters.

Imhoitsike stated that the success of the Build-A-Thon reinforced the ministry’s commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria’s digital economy, in line with President Buhari’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

On the successful completion of the Build-A-Thon, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, emphasized the significance of such initiatives and stated that such programs not only foster innovation but also align with the country’s dedication to digital education, which will have a broader impact.

“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.