NITDA equips 200 youths with AI, IoT and coding skills

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has equipped 200 young Nigerians with digital and innovation skills through its summer bootcamp programme in Lagos.

The initiative, which included the Free Long Vacation Young School Kids Coding Bootcamp, focused on Internet of Things (IoT) and Scratch programming. Held at the Federal Technical College (FTC) in Yaba, the programme was organised in collaboration with Cisco and UNITeS Academy.

Technical training for future innovators

Participants received practical training in Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, coding, game development, animation, and digital creativity. The curriculum was designed to move students from passive technology consumers to active creators by strengthening problem-solving, critical thinking, and computational abilities.

Representing the NITDA Director-General, the Director of the South-West Zonal Office described the bootcamp as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s digital future. He noted that the participants are potential software developers, AI specialists, cybersecurity experts, and robotics engineers who will contribute to the digital economy.

The Director-General urged parents, schools, and stakeholders to support continuous learning by strengthening coding clubs and encouraging responsible technology use.

Educational partnerships

The Federal Technical College, Yaba, supported the initiative. Representing the college Principal, Mrs A.O. Ajayi stated that the programme aligns with the need to develop technologically skilled youth capable of thriving in a digital world. She added that early exposure to science and innovation helps children build practical skills for national development.

Participants reported that the training increased their technical confidence. Ayodele Easther PipeOluwa, a student in the senior category, said the bootcamp helped her understand how technology can be used to solve problems, expressing an interest in becoming a software developer.