On 2nd September 2024, the executives of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) Kwara Chapter paid a visit to Queen Elizabeth Secondary School, one of the venues for the ongoing 6-week Kwara Free Summer Coding and Digital Literacy Bootcamp. This initiative, spearheaded by the Kwara State Government under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, is organised through the office of the Senior Special Assistant on Digital Economy, Mr. Kayode Ishola.
The programme, launched by the office of the Special Assistant on Digital Innovation, is designed to empower students in public schools with critical skills in coding, programming, and digital literacy. The bootcamp has been strategically distributed across six centres, with two centres selected in each of the state’s three senatorial districts to ensure broad access to these technological training opportunities.
Engr. Taofik Abdulkareem, the Chairman of NCS Kwara Chapter, expressed his excitement about the programme, emphasising that it provides students with a solid foundation in coding, algorithmic thinking, and other essential ICT competencies. He also affirmed NCS’s commitment to continuing its collaboration with the state government to achieve its digital transformation goals. Additionally, he highlighted NCS’s impactful initiatives, such as the NCS annual Whizkid National Competition, which fosters the development of young tech talents by facilitating their participation in ICT competitions at the zonal, state, and national levels.
Dr. James Ayeni, the Secretary of the Society, also expressed his appreciation to the state government and recommended that such initiatives be integrated into the regular school curriculum, turning coding into a daily activity in secondary schools across Kwara State.
Mr. Kayode Ishola, the SSA on Digital Economy, expressed his gratitude to the NCS executives for their visit. He encouraged the society to perform spot assessments and provide feedback to optimise the ongoing bootcamp, particularly in preparation for the upcoming exhibition where the most talented students will demonstrate their projects.
The NCS delegation included the chapters Financial Secretary, Mrs. Oyeranti Obisesan; PRO Mr. Taofik Abiodun Ahmed, Mr. Issah Yusuf Bolaji, Mrs. Enilara Adefila, and Mr. Ayinla.
In his closing remarks, the Chairman of NCS pledged that the Kwara NCS would contribute significant rewards for the top-performing students during the exhibition. These incentives are intended to motivate the students to continue excelling in their pursuit of digital and technological excellence.
