NITDA trains 282 Children in emerging technologies

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has trained 282 kids in emerging technologies at the concluded, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Boot Camp for Kids (SB4KIDS) in Abuja, Nigeria.

SB4KIDS is an initiative of NITDA to coach and inspire youngsters to imbibe Science, technology, engineering and mathematics passion, and create an early interest in digital and emerging technologies.

The training, carried out by National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), a subsidiary of NITDA featured practical teachings on Robotics, Artificial intelligence, Coding, and virtual Reality among others aims to boost digital inclusion.

It was also aimed at catching the children young to enable them to be conversant with emerging technologies which is a tool in the present-day economic rejuvenation across the world.

In a message to the children, the Director General NITDA, Mr. Kashifu Inuwa represented by Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy, Mr. Aristotle Onomo, charged them to explore in the digital space adding that digital space has no barrier.

He said, “the training is for the enhancement of their talents and creativity for the development of the future.”

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He noted that the program was held simultaneously in Jigawa State (North West), Port Harcourt (South South) and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

While urging the children to improve in the skills learnt for industrial revolution, Inuwa cautioned them against misuse of the internet.

“Always be guided by what was thought to you and ensure that your parents see what you are doing. Use the knowledge positively.”

The NITDA boss also urged parents to monitor the children while using internet and ensure the right aspect of it is put to practice and help them improve better.

Also, the Director, National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics NCAIR, Engr. Garba Ya’u, represented by Mr. Babangida Gilo, said the children were taking on 3D printing and Robotics, Internet of things IoT, Digital Communication, Drone operations and Embedded systems among others.

He urged the students “to utilize the what they have learned during the training within the two weeks of insensitive coaching and complement it by being more creative.”

Speaking with Voice Nigeria, some of the participants, Brown Zowe and Elizabeth Bassey shared their experience saying the training has improved thier knowledge in robotics and drone operation.

Awards were presented to deserving students for their outstanding performances.