THE Federal Government has urged young girls across the country to take interest in the study of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) so as to motivate them to pursue careers in the field of Information and Communications Technology (ICT).
Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, who made the call in Abuja, emphasised the need to encourage girls to pursue careers in ICT which provides an avalanche of opportunities.
Mamman who was represented by the Director of Basic Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr Folake Olatunji-David, spoke during the celebration of the International Day for Girls in ICT which took place at the Digital Resource Centre of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr Hamid Bobboyi expressed the commitment of the commission to the utilisation of ICTs in education.
He emphasised that this was evident through its various programmes and the establishment of the Digital Resource Centre.
Dr Bobboyi encouraged the female students and teachers that had come to celebrate the event to adopt and embrace the use of ICTs in education as it was a global phenomenon that was engendering very positive learning outcomes and improving access to quality education for all Nigerian children.
He further expressed delight in partnering with Blue Sapphire Hub and appreciated their collaboration in organising and ensuring the success of the event.
In his keynote address to mark the occasion, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, represented by the director of IT Infrastructure Solutions Mr Oladejo Olawomi, commended UBEC for organising the event and assured the commission of its constant support in promoting ICT education in all parts of the country.
The three-day celebration featured a boot camp for female students from 20 Junior Secondary Schools within the FCT area that included hands-on activities on various topics such as Robotics, Web Development, Graphic Design, Mobile App Development, and Data Analysis. It also involved a workshop for the teachers who accompanied the students to the event.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has restated its commitment to nurture young talents by fostering technological advancements.
The Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, made this commitment at the Award Ceremony of the 2024 Rwanda International Competition and the USA World Robotics Festival held in Abuja.
Mamman emphasised the importance of recognising and supporting the nation’s young heroes.
He acknowledged the accomplishments of students from Federal Government College, Ikirun, and the Federal Government College, Oyo, who excelled in the international competitions.
The minister said the achievements of the young talents at the competition were a great feat for the nation.
“The achievements of our young innovators reflect our commitment to providing a technology-driven educational environment.
“We are dedicated to nurturing critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity from the foundation level, and ensuring that every child in Nigeria has access to opportunities in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence,” he said.
Mamman stressed that the ministry will continue to support the development of young talents, and ensure equitable access to educational opportunities nationwide.
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