Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has expressed determination to transform the state into a hub of technological innovations with the ‘catch them young’ initiative.

He expressed satisfaction at the rising interest and success of young Kwarans in the tech space during the just-concluded Kwara Coding and Digital Literacy Programme (KCDLP).

Themed “Kwara Futures: Empowering a Digitally Ready Generation,” the exhibition organised by the Office of the Special Assistant (S.A.) to the Governor on Digital Innovation, Hon. Kayode Ishola, the governor said the government is determined to put Kwara on the global map with seamless pathways for collaboration from international tech accelerators to cross-border funding opportunities.

“Our administration is unwavering in its commitment to transform Kwara into a beacon of technological excellence and empower our youth to lead the digital revolution.

“By investing in cutting-edge infrastructure and fostering a supportive ecosystem, we are equipping you – our brilliant young techies – with the tools to turn bold ideas into global realities.

“For the first time in our state’s history, Kwara is etching its name on the world map of digital startups, thanks to the innovative spirit of our entrepreneurs and the strategic policies we’ve implemented,” he said.

In his welcome address, the governor’s aide, who called his boss, the architect of a new digital Kwara, explained the gathering was more than a showcase of technology.

“It is a testament to visionary leadership, inclusive governance, and the limitless potential of our young people. It tells the story of how one idea, anchored in foresight and equity, is transforming education, innovation, and human capital in Kwara State,” he stated.

He said the governor approved the vision when he approved the pilot phase of the Coding and Digital Literacy Program in 2024, “it was not merely an educational experiment, it was a strategic intervention to prepare our children for a digital economy.

“He envisioned a Kwara where every child, regardless of background or geography, can learn, create, and compete globally.

That vision – that digital literacy is the new basic literacy continues to guide our journey today,” he recalled.

According to him, the KCDLP has grown into a national model of innovation and inclusion through which 5,604 students have been trained across 50 public schools in all 16 local governments.

“We have engaged over 120 instructors, including NYSC members, trained teachers, and digital volunteers, as well as introduced Coding, Robotics, Innovation Thinking, and Digital Design to thousands of students.

Beyond the data stories of transformation, Kayode said students in Baruten, Igbaja, and Ifelodun now design animations and simple apps.

“Girls from Bishop Smith Memorial College, Ilorin, developed a learning app for the visually impaired,” he said, adding that: “in Ajase-Ipo, training is hosted at ENACT Innovation Hub, a facility equipped through partnership and shared vision.

“A team of our students emerged as winners of the 2025 Kids Innovation Challenge, developing the AgriTech Mini Dashboard — a smart agriculture solution now gaining national attention,” he said.

He, however, hinted at the mission of his office, which includes expanding the programme to 100 schools and 10,000 students by mid-2026; establishing Innovation Learning Centres across senatorial districts; training more teachers under the proposed Digital Educators Fellowship; and launching “Girls Code Kwara,” a focused initiative to increase female participation in tech to 60 per cent by 2026.

Meanwhile, no fewer than 10 schools made presentations that focused on designs and processing of Smart School Attendance System, Universal Report Card Generator, Weather Forecast Application, Python-Based Banking Simulation Project, the Expense Visualizer, Web Dictionary App, and Igbaja Farm Expense Tracker
(IFET) App.

United Junior Secondary School, Ilorin, came tops with the highest points, earning itself a cash reward of N1 million. Ilorin Grammar School (IGS), Ilorin, got N500,000 for the 1st runner-up prize, while the Government Girls’ Day Secondary School, Pakata, settled for 2nd runner-up with N250,000 cash prize.

Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, said the government paid attention to the education sector more than any recent administrations in the state.

He said the programme was designed to give young people a fair chance to assert themselves in the new economy.
Commissioner for Communications, Hon Bola Olukoju, said the governor is passionate about the development of education and innovation.

Her counterpart in Business, Innovation and Technology, Hon Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, commended the government for its various efforts to secure the future of students.

Commissioner for Social Development, Hajia Mariam Nnafatima Imam, hailed the governor for the drive to turn public schools into hubs of digital literacy.

Funmilayo Obi of the Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) commended the Governor for believing in young people and for planting seeds of innovation that, she said, are fast becoming a forest of progress.