No fewer than 200 young Nigerians have been equipped with critical digital and innovation skills through the NITDA Summer Training Programme and Free Long Vacation Young School Kids Coding Bootcamp tagged IoT and Scratch Programming held at the Federal Technical College (FTC), Yaba, Lagos.
The initiative, organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in collaboration with Cisco and UNITeS Academy, provided participants with hands-on exposure to emerging technologies and digital competencies designed to prepare them for the future of work and innovation.
During the intensive training programme, the students gained practical knowledge in coding, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, programming, game development, animation and digital creativity. Beyond technical skills, the bootcamp also strengthened their problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration and computational thinking abilities, empowering them to become active creators of technology rather than passive consumers.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, NITDA’s Director-General, represented by the Director of the South-West Zonal Office, described the programme as more than a holiday learning initiative, noting that it was a strategic investment in Nigeria’s digital future.
He commended the participants for their enthusiasm, creativity and determination throughout the programme, urging them to sustain the momentum by continuing to learn, innovate and develop solutions to real-world challenges.
“The end of this bootcamp marks the beginning of a much longer journey. The children before us today are potential software developers, Artificial Intelligence specialists, cybersecurity experts, robotics engineers and digital entrepreneurs who can shape Nigeria’s digital economy,” he said.
The Director-General also called on parents, guardians, schools and other stakeholders to support continuous digital learning by encouraging responsible technology use, strengthening coding clubs and creating more opportunities for practical innovation.
The Federal Technical College, Yaba, also lauded NITDA, Cisco and UNITeS Academy for investing in the next generation of innovators. Speaking on behalf of the Principal, Mrs A.O. Ajayi, the College’s representative described the programme as a timely intervention that aligns with the growing need to develop technologically skilled young people capable of thriving in a rapidly evolving digital world.
According to the College, the initiative demonstrates the importance of exposing children to science, technology and innovation at an early age, enabling them to build confidence, creativity and practical skills that can contribute to national development.
The institution encouraged the participants to remain curious, continue exploring new ideas and leverage technology to address societal challenges. It further emphasised that education should extend beyond the classroom to include innovation, creativity and the practical application of knowledge.
FTC Yaba also expressed appreciation to parents and guardians for their support throughout the programme and reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing young Nigerians through quality technical, vocational, scientific and technological education.
The success of the training programme underscores the growing impact of collaborative efforts between government, educational institutions and private-sector partners in building Nigeria’s digital talent pipeline. By equipping 200 young learners with future-ready skills and exposing them to emerging technologies, the initiative has laid a foundation for a new generation of digital creators, innovators and technology leaders.
As the participants received their certificates at the close of the programme, the message from organisers and stakeholders was clear: the journey has just begun. The knowledge, skills and confidence gained during the bootcamp have the potential to shape careers, inspire innovation and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
Some of the participants described the bootcamp as a life-changing experience that expanded their understanding of technology and inspired them to pursue careers in the digital sector.
The senior category’s winner, Ayodele Easther PipeOluwa said, “Before attending the bootcamp, I only used computers for basic tasks. Now, I understand coding and how technology can be used to solve problems. I want to become a software developer in the future.”
Another student, Jonathan Chukwumah expressed excitement about learning robotics and Artificial Intelligence, noting that the programme had increased her confidence and encouraged her to explore innovative ideas.
Parents also praised the initiative for exposing their children to practical digital skills during the holiday period. According to one of the parents, Mrs. Omole A. Oluwunmi she disclosed that the bootcamp helped their children develop creativity, discipline and a stronger interest in technology.
For many of the participants, the training was more than just a holiday activity. It served as a gateway to new opportunities, inspiring them to dream bigger and positioning them to become future innovators capable of contributing to Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
