According to the Ministry, states where hosts are needed include Lagos, Osun, Gombe, Nasarawa, Ekiti, Kogi, Imo, Delta, and Ogun.

Others are Oyo, Edo, Enugu, Borno, Katsina, Jigawa, and Taraba and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The Code Clubs for kids are a network of extracurricular programming clubs developed to nurture a new generation of digitally literate and innovative young minds in Nigeria.

These clubs, which will initially start from 17 knowledge exchange centers, will further expand to other locations across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

Announcing the opening of applications for host companies across the select states, the Ministry in a statement released on Friday, said:

“As we build a digital knowledge pipeline with young Nigerians at its core, we are calling on host organizations interested in partnering to activate Code Clubs in our 17 Digital Knowledge Exchange Centre’s spread across Nigeria.

“Launched in collaboration with the Raspberry Pi Foundation, the Code Clubs will enable Nigerians aged 7 to 17 years to learn a broad spectrum of coding and technology-related subjects.

“Qualified host organizations with a track record in STEAM training will get access to designated centres to put it to good use for the benefit of local communities.”

Earlier, the Ministry noted the Raspberry Pi Foundation will provide comprehensive toolkits, support, and guidelines for educators and young learners, while the Ministry will facilitate the establishment and operation of the Code Clubs across the country using a partnership model.

The partners, who will be made up of individuals, educational institutions, and organizations passionate about promoting computing education in their communities will receive support, resources, and operational guidelines from a designated central organization.

The Ministry quoted Philip Colligan, the chief executive officer of the Raspberry Pi Foundation, saying:

“We are excited to be partnering with the Nigerian Government to inspire the next generation of digital makers. Code Clubs are a fantastic way to give young people the opportunity to get creative with computers and digital technologies, opening up a world of possibilities.”

The Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, however revealed that, the learning paths to be provided for Code Club partners will cover a broad spectrum of coding and technology-related subjects including Introduction to Coding, Basic Concepts, Game Development, Web Development, Programming Languages, Algorithms and Problem Solving, Robotics and Electronics, and Project-Based Learning.

The partnership between the Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, and the Raspberry Pi Foundation to establish Code Clubs for Kids represents a significant and forward-thinking initiative aimed at preparing the younger generation of Nigeria for a digital and technologically advanced future.

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.