The Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy is seeking educators, teachers, and enthusiasts in Maiduguri, Owerri, and Abeokuta for its earlier launched Build-A-Thon initiative program
Build-A-Thon, in collaboration with the Raspberry Pi Foundation, aims to introduce senior secondary school students to the maker culture, enhancing tech innovation.
Earlier, Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, spoke on the Build-A-Thon program, stating its goal to provide students with a unique learning experience over four days in January 2024. The initiative, focusing on critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving, is part of a strategic plan to promote early-technology adoption and shape future innovation leaders.
The Build-A-Thon initiative is set to recognize exceptional teams in categories such as the most innovative design, the most sustainable project, and an award for the project with the most utility. The goals include showcasing innovative projects, recognizing achievements, fostering future collaboration, inspiring future leaders, and promoting lifelong learning.
Eligibility
The Ministry is seeking educators, teachers, and enthusiasts based in Maiduguri, Owerri, and Abeokuta. Interested candidates must align with the vision of guiding the next generation of tech innovators in secondary schools.
Bosun Tijani highlighted the strategic importance of the Build-A-Thon initiative, emphasizing the need to create a knowledge pipeline for young minds. The collaboration with the Raspberry Pi Foundation reiterates Nigeria’s commitment to rapidly growing the digital economy through the development of technical knowledge and talent.
“Our journey towards positioning Nigeria as the go-to-market for technical knowledge cannot be achieved without creating a knowledge pipeline that is represented by these young, impressionable minds,” he said.
Program Details and Learning Ecosystem
The Build-A-Thon program, scheduled for January 2024, will span four days and include 1,500 students from 150 schools in Owerri, Maiduguri, and Abeokuta. The learning experience will focus on critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving as students build innovative projects. The learning ecosystem of Build-A-Thon encompasses technology labs, DIY boxes, and workshops that enhance students’ skills in demand, covering areas like 3D printing, embedded systems, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things.
How to Apply
Interested individuals who meet the criteria can apply for teaching positions in the Build-A-Thon initiative which represents a unique step toward stimulating innovation, technology adoption, and skill development among Nigerian students.
This aligns with the vision of positioning the nation as a hub for technical knowledge and expertise.
