NITDA, NCAI train 282 kids on emerging technologies    

We need to catch them young, says agency boss
As part of efforts to actualise the Federal Government’s 95 per cent digital literacy target by 2030, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in partnership with National Centre for Artificial Intelligence (NCAI), has trained 282 kids on emerging technologies. 
  
The kids were coached intensively on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics and Drone Technologies, Extended Reality (ER), Digital Communication, Internet of Things (IoT), 3D Design, Coding and Virtual Reality (VR).
  

The NITDA boss, who was represented by the Head, Corporate Planning and Strategy, Dr. Aristotle Onumuo, noted that the programme was in line with the Strategic Growth and Action Plan of the agency focusing on digital literacy, digital innovation and entrepreneurship. 
  
According to Abdullahi, what the kids have gained from the training is capable of changing Nigeria’s narrative from it is to what it will become, adding that the agency has seen enormous power, innovation and creativity in the minds of the children.
  
He said: “We have 282 kids, 122 of which are girls. “Government has laid the foundation and expects the beneficiaries to continue with the knowledge in their respective schools because the digital space is open for them to explore. The programme was held simultaneously in three locations of Jigawa, Port Harcourt and Abuja.” 
  
Abdullahi urged partners to collaborate with the agency to expand the programme to reach underserved areas. 
  
Representative of NCAI, Babangida Abdullahi, who expressed satisfaction with the outstanding performance of the kids within a short period, said they were able to dismantle and assemble drones, robots and produce some games, do some coding and the digital aspect of it. 
  
On the criteria for selecting the participants, he stated that NITDA opened a portal for applications and selected participants based on first come first served basis and.