The Kwara State Government has officially launched a Coding and Digital Literacy training programme aimed at pupils in 50 public primary and junior secondary schools across the state. The initiative, organised by the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital and Innovation, Ishola Kayode, was flagged off on Tuesday as part of the administration’s efforts to bolster its investments in the education sector.
Speaking at the symbolic launch held at Bishop’s Smith Junior Secondary School in Ilorin, Sa’adu Salau, Senior Adviser and Counsellor to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, emphasised the importance of equipping young learners with digital skills in an increasingly technology-driven world.
“We are now faced with the reality of the digital revolution. What we have done today is to flag off training for digital literacy in 50 schools across Kwara State,” Salau stated. He added that the pilot scheme targets over 150 students in each of the selected schools, laying the foundation for a digitally literate generation.
“It is our expectation that with the foundation of a digital society for this generation, the children of Kwara State will not lag behind their counterparts globally,” he said.
The programme, which also launched at Queen Elizabeth School, Ilorin Grammar School, and Sheikh Alimi L.G.E.A Primary School, aims to ensure that public school pupils are not left behind in the digital age.
Ishola Kayode, Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital and Innovation, explained that the initiative is designed to empower students with the skills needed to solve community problems through technology.
“They should be digitally literate and able to solve problems in their communities. Without this knowledge, they cannot effectively address these challenges,” Kayode said. He noted that the selection of 50 schools—15 from Kwara Central, 13 from Kwara North, and 22 from Kwara South—was part of a pilot scheme that will be expanded based on data-driven assessments.
Mrs Akanbi Janet Ayoola, Principal of Bishop’s Smith College (Junior Session), praised the initiative as one of the governor’s best decisions, particularly in an era where information technology and artificial intelligence have become essential.
Students, including Opadili Dorcas Boluwatife and Akinola Kolawole Abdulrahman, expressed gratitude to the state government for the opportunity. They pledged to make the most of the programme, which they believe will enable them to compete favourably with their peers globally in the digital revolution.
The Kwara State Government’s Coding and Digital Literacy programme underscores its commitment to preparing young learners for the future, ensuring they are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
